Cowboys' Darren McFadden: 'I feel like a rookie all over again'

After three disappointing seasons in Oakland, running back Darren McFadden is hoping a change of scenery will help get his career back on track.

McFadden made a name for himself during his college career at Arkansas, setting several school rushing records and twice finishing as the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. The Raiders selected McFadden with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 draft, but his time with the team was marred by injuries and unmet expectations.

Despite his struggles, the Dallas Cowboys decided to take a chance on McFadden this offseason, signing him to a two-year contract.

"It's great to be in Dallas," McFadden told Steve Rogers of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. "I'm looking forward to getting on the field with those guys and doing great things this year ... Definitely exciting. I tell everybody I feel like a rookie all over again.

"I just want to go out there, stay healthy and run the ball the way I know I can run the ball."

McFadden appeared in all 16 games last season for the first time in his career, but still only averaged 3.4 yards per carry. With Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar, Ryan Williams, and Lache Seastrunk all battling for reps, McFadden will have his work cut out for him in Dallas.

"I'm just going out there and making plays," McFadden said. "Right now, we don't know much. We just know we're competing for a job.

"I'm with a lot of younger backs now. My thing is, I just try to give those guys some of the knowledge I know from being around the league seven, eight years now. Those guys are great athletes and great players. I look forward to being back there beside them."