Legacy in the Making: E.J. Smith Invited to Dallas Cowboys Workout After Strong Pro Day

The Dallas Cowboys are exploring a potential family reunion that could bring one of the most storied names in NFL history back to the star. E.J. Smith, the son of Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, has earned an invitation to a Cowboys workout following an impressive showing at Texas A&M’s Pro Day.

The invitation comes after a series of drills in College Station on Wednesday, March 25, where Smith and several other Aggies showcased their skills for NFL scouts. Among those in attendance was Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who witnessed firsthand the athleticism of the former Aggie running back.

For those following the lineage, the connection is immediate. E.J. Smith is the son of Emmitt Smith, the NFL’s all-time leader in rushing yards and a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ dynasty in the 1990s. While the pedigree is undeniable, the current interest from Dallas is rooted in E.J.’s own physical metrics and collegiate trajectory.

Dominating the Metrics: Pro Day Performance

NFL scouts are often looking for specific “explosiveness” markers in running backs and Smith delivered several high-signal numbers during the Texas A&M Pro Day. His performance highlighted a blend of lower-body power and upper-body strength that has intrigued teams looking for reliable depth at the position.

Smith recorded a 10’00” broad jump and a 35.50″ vertical jump, demonstrating the burst necessary to break tackles and create separation. Perhaps most impressive to evaluators was his strength on the bench press, where he completed 20 reps of 225 lbs.

These numbers provide a concrete baseline for the Cowboys’ staff as they evaluate how Smith’s physical profile translates to the professional game. At 6 feet tall and 208 lbs, he possesses a frame that suggests he can handle the physical toll of an NFL season.

The Road to College Station: From Stanford to the SEC

E.J. Smith’s journey to the NFL draft has been a winding one. A native of Dallas and a product of Jesuit College Preparatory School, Smith was originally rated as the No. 48 prospect in the Class of 2020 by ESPN. He began his collegiate career at Stanford in 2020, where he spent four seasons navigating the depths of the Cardinal’s backfield.

During his time at Stanford, Smith faced limited opportunities, often serving as a backup. Despite the lack of volume, he showed flashes of efficiency, including a 2021 sophomore campaign where he averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 26 rushing attempts. He was also named to the Doak Walker Award watch list prior to the 2022 season, signaling his potential as one of the nation’s top backs.

Seeking a new environment, Smith transferred to Texas A&M before the 2024 season. While early injuries hampered his initial transition to College Station, he entered the 2025 offseason healthy and ready to contribute to a high-powered Aggies offense.

Analyzing the 2025 Campaign

The 2025 season was a standout year for the Texas A&M running game, which helped propel the Aggies to an 11-1 regular season record and a 7-1 mark in SEC play. Smith operated primarily as the No. 3 or 4 option in a crowded room that featured standout talent like Le’Veon Moss and Rueben Owens.

Smith’s impact was most visible when the team needed depth. Following a season-ending injury to Le’Veon Moss, Smith stepped up during a road victory against Arkansas. In that contest, he rushed for 52 yards and averaged a potent 7.4 yards per carry, helping the Aggies secure a 45-42 win.

Throughout the season, Smith proved his ability to find the end zone, scoring touchdowns against Missouri, South Carolina, and the Texas Longhorns. However, the season ended on a quieter note as the running game struggled to find traction during the Aggies’ first-round College Football Playoff loss to Miami.

What This Means for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are not merely inviting Smith because of his father’s legendary status. The interest appears to be a tactical evaluation of a player who offers a specific physical profile and a level of maturity gained from playing at two different high-major programs.

From a roster construction perspective, the Cowboys are looking for depth and versatility. Smith’s ability to contribute as a physical runner, combined with his verified strength and explosiveness, makes him a viable candidate for a depth role. The workout will allow the Cowboys’ coaching staff to see if his game-speed matches the numbers recorded at the Pro Day.

For E.J. Smith, the workout represents more than just a draft opportunity; It’s a chance to potentially follow in his father’s footsteps in the city where he was born. Born on May 15, 2002, and raised in Dallas, a return to the Cowboys would complete a full-circle narrative for the Smith family.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the focus now shifts to the private workout. The Cowboys will be looking for consistency in his route running and evidence that his Pro Day explosiveness can be applied in game scenarios.

The next confirmed checkpoint for E.J. Smith is his scheduled workout with the Dallas Cowboys, where the team will conduct a deeper dive into his physical capabilities and fit within their offensive system.

Do you think the Cowboys should draft E.J. Smith to continue the family legacy in Dallas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.