Hunter Luepke is not a typical NFL fullback. The second-year player out of North Dakota State earned his way onto the roster in 2023 as a fullback and short-yardage specialist. While he only posted 19 yards off six carries as a rookie, he produced five first downs and a touchdown, making him an extremely efficient weapon.
Based on reports from training camp, the Cowboys are looking for ways to expand Luepke’s role in 2024. Not only is he seeing more opportunities in short-yardage packages, but he’s frequently seen running downfield, becoming a weapon in the passing game.
Luepke is not the traditional fullback most Cowboys fans are accustomed to. Instead of the Daryl Johnston type, one who primarily deploys as a lead blocker in 21 personnel groups, Luepke is used as a lone back, converting first downs, pass protecting and running short routes downfield. It’s similar to how he profiled as a draft prospect and better fits the image of Richie Anderson, another former Cowboys fullback from years past.
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Trey Lance to Hunter Luepke pic.twitter.com/uviCwTvVDn
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 3, 2024
It’s shaping up to potentially have Luepke as a third down specialist in 2024. His ability to pass-protect, catch the ball, and convert first-downs checks all the boxes. He might be listed as a fullback on the roster but he’s really just an extension of the running back room and possibly more.
Hunter Luepke is [also] being cross-trained with the #Cowboys tight ends room — per MM.
Increased workload coming in Year 2.
“He’s earned it.”
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 3, 2024
Word from training camp is Luepke is also being cross trained at tight end. At 6-foot-1, 238 pounds, Luepke doesn’t exactly fit the physical profile at TE but if he can prove himself as an inline blocker and expand on his downfield route running, he could be an interesting weapon serving multiple roles in 2024.
Jerry Jones was asked about offensive players that have stood out at training camp, and he gave glowing remarks for FB Hunter Luepke:
“Really like the work our fullback is doing. He’s very instrumental, and of course he’s going to be a big part of this offense and he’s earning… pic.twitter.com/X2dtGONDn2
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) August 2, 2024
Looking at the magic of San Francisco’s offense under Kyle Shanahan, one will quickly see it’s the versatility of the players who make it so…
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