FRISCO, Texas -- Not even 13 months ago, Leighton Vander Esch made his first start at Boise State, tallying seven tackles and recording a sack in a win against Troy.
On Sunday, Vander Esch, the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round pick in the 2018 draft, will make his first start of his NFL career against the Detroit Lions, replacing Sean Lee -- out with a hamstring strain -- at linebacker.
It will be just the 15th start Vander Esch has made in the 11-on-11 game of football.