Ex-'Dogs star Tyler Clutts aiming to boost impact with Cowboys

For two seasons, former Clovis High and Fresno State star Tyler Clutts liked blocking for running back DeMarco Murray.

Last season, Murray went on to rush for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys.

But after Murray decided to sign a free-agent contract with NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles, Clutts said he understood why Murray decided to leave the Cowboys.

“It was a decision him and his family had to make,” Clutts said Saturday before leaving for Dallas in advance of training camp opening July 29 in Oxnard. “We understand what’s best for him and his family. I know he loved it in Dallas. This decision he had to make is in the best interest of his future and family. Hard to see guys go, but that’s the reality of the sport.”

Last season, Clutts, 30, played every game for the Cowboys and scored a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in their NFC divisional-round playoff.

Clutts was also a free agent after the season and saw a lot of offseason moves on the Dallas roster, including the signing of former Oakland Raider running back Darren McFadden on March 13 and the re-signing of wide receiver Dez Bryant to a five-year, $70 million contract, including $45 million guaranteed.

“I’m excited for Dez, and he deserved every penny he got,” Clutts said. “I’m glad he’ll be out there and working for us. We respect him for what he had to do. We supported Dez all the way and we’re glad to have everyone there and get better as a whole team.”

It wasn’t certain if Clutts would be back with the Cowboys. Dallas signed fullback Jed Collins to a one-year deal in March but released him in May before re-signing Clutts in May. This will be Clutts’ third season with the Cowboys and fifth season in the NFL.

Since, the 6-foot-2, 250-pound fullback learned more about McFadden during organized team activities and looks forward to blocking for him and other running backs.

“I love Darren,” Clutts said. “I think he’s a veteran back that knows the game and is a smart guy. ... I’m excited to play with him and excited for him, and hopefully he has a breakout year. I know he’s working hard.”

Clutts doesn’t care what the Cowboys ask him to do — he just wants to keep helping the team win.

“I embrace the role of being a true fullback and to be able to block,” he said. “Just put my body on the line for the running backs … excited for that role.”

Clutts then one step further, saying he wants to make an impact for his team.

“Really to be the best fullback,” he said. “I’d like to be the most effective going into into my fifth season. Only thing that matters is to help the run game and help the pass game … be a reliable target, blocker, teammate and just to be a leader in the locker room.”

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 6:45 PM with the headline "Ex-'Dogs star Tyler Clutts aiming to boost impact with Cowboys."