The new backup running back in Dallas is already familiar with the area and many of his teammates and coaches.
Emari Demercado described his last week as a "roller coaster," but the new Dallas Cowboys running back couldn't have enjoyed a smoother end to the ride.
The free agent claimed off waivers after his release from the Kansas City Chiefs enters a room where he could become RB2 behind Javonte Williams. Dallas rostered just two ball carriers on cutdown day, bell-cow starter Williams and preseason standout Malik Davis, before adding Demarcado.
Dallas released second-year duo Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, and Demercado's experience and familiarity offered plenty of reason to sign him.
There's so much comfort in this spot for the newest Cowboy that he's feeling at "home".
"It's basically home for me now, so I'm extremely blessed to be back here," said Demarcado, who played college ball at nearby TCU and bought a house in the Dallas area this offseason.
"Couldn't ask for anything better."
Not only is he back in town, he's around those he already has relationships with.
Demercado is reunited with Horned Frogs teammates Dee Winters and KaVontae Turpin on the Cowboys. He's also back with former high school teammate Jalen Thompson from their upbringing together in Inglewood, Calif.
"We must be meant to be on the same NFL team; it’s crazy," Demercado laughed when asked about Thompson. "Just super blessed to be here and with some of my old college teammates, too."
And of course, Demercado is back with offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, whom he worked with while on the Arizona Cardinals.
"I'm willing to do whatever they ask," Demarcado said about this opportunity. "I'm glad that they wanted me here, so for that, just to claim me and to come here, I'll do whatever they ask me to do. … My game, I mean, people always talk about the pass [protection], but I think there's some other abilities that kind of goes under the radar, but it's kind of fun being a sleeper, too."
Last season, Demercado, 27, rushed for a career-high 312 yards. He did not record a touchdown on the ground, but he displayed his ability out of the backfield by recording over 100 receiving yards on the year for the third year in a row since entering the league. He's also a known weapon on special teams, which was clearly brought intrigue from head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
Demercado spent five seasons in Fort Worth at TCU, rushing for 1,615 yards and scoring 11 total touchdowns.
Home at last, Demercado and his career rushing average of 6.5 yards per carry is ready to contribute on the Cowboys' explosive offense.
