The Dallas Cowboys added an intriguing piece to their backfield on Friday by signing UFL star Jashaun Corbin and head coach Brian Schottenheimer is already impressed with what he has seen from the 5-foot-11, young running back.
We all know how good Corbin is. But the coach’s verdict was very crucial for him and he has earned it. In his press conference, Schottenheimer detailed what stood out about the former Florida State and Texas A&M standout during a media session on Saturday. The Cowboys head coach highlighted Corbin’s athleticism, versatility, mental acumen and other key factors in the latest presser and also shed light on the decision to bring him aboard a day ago.
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer reveals why Jashaun Corbin “was the right” RB for Dallas
“I should have said – he as been doing a great job as well in that running back competition,” Schottenheimer said on Saturday. “The bigger thing is this guy has been exposed to a lot of different systems. We’ve done a good job of finding guys that have played meaningful snaps in the UFL and we like to work out a lot.” Corbin signed with the Cowboys on Friday, taking the roster spot of undrafted rookie Dominic Richardson.
But according to the latest observations by Schottenheimer during the training camp practices, “[Corbin] caught the ball well out of the backfield. He has [a] quick twitch. [He is] very bright. One of our coaches has been around him. So, you know the type of young man you’re getting. Because It’s hard for a guy like Zach and for Jay Sean when you come in a little bit late. You’ve missed five installs so you want guys that have the ability to learn because if they can’t learn how they are supposed to go play against Seattle here and in a week, I guess week from today.”
Then, in the end, HC said his final verdict on Corbin. “So that was part of it. So we worked out a couple guys. They all had pretty good workouts. Then we took them into the classroom and we ended up thinking that Jashaun was the best for us,” Coach Schotty added.
He went undrafted out of Florida State in 2022 and has spent the past few years trying to establish himself in the NFL. His biggest production has come outside the NFL in the United Football League, where he led the league with 514 rushing yards for the San Antonio Brahmas in 2025 before adding 438 rushing yards for the Orlando Storm in 2026. Over 21 UFL games, he has compiled 233 rushing attempts, 40 receptions and seven touchdowns.
Per his scouting reports, Corbin’s biggest strength is his vision. He is a decisive, one-cut runner who does not waste much time once he identifies a hole. At 224 pounds, he has the frame to handle contact and keep his legs moving through traffic. His receiving ability and special teams value, including a 26.8-yard average per kick return in the UFL in 2026, could help him in the roster battle.
The 24-year-old running back brings experience from multiple offensive systems. Corbin’s exposure to different schemes has prepared him to adapt quickly to the Cowboys’ playbook. He has had stops with the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots.
And now, Corbin is joining the Cowboys late in the preparation process and has already missed five installs. The Cowboys have a preseason game against Seattle approaching in just over a week.
Schottenheimer emphasized that Corbin is not alone in competing for playing time, as the running back room has several players vying for opportunities. The Cowboys have invested in multiple backs this offseason, including Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah and Malik Davis.
There will be tough competition for Corbin to at least get the backup job in the Cowboys’ running backs room. But it’s not impossible. Let’s hope he replicates his stellar 2026 UFL performance in the 2026 NFL season, also for the Cowboys.
