Monday, July 7, 2008

Fast Facts That Will Make You Look Cool In The Break Room

With the Terry Glenn saga still continuing, and Jerry Jones yet to make his play at the "big name" receiver he wants (rumors circulated about an aging Joe Horn, but not anymore), the Cowboys are looking for a solid third receiver from within...assuming no drastic roster changes, and Patrick Crayton securing the #2 slot. The rest of the roster is essentially set, leaving wideouts as the only area of uncertainty. Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, and Isaiah Standback are all relatively unknown--yet talented--young players with a chance to win the #3 spot. Few fans know much (if any) about these athletes, so we here at DallasDedicated--since we are so kind--decided to give the average fan a profile of each player, and with that a possible conversation starter with the boss...

SAM HURD
Or, Sam "I'ver never" Hurd of him.
Hurd played an integral part in last season's success. Or should i say last regular season's success? Not only did he contribute with key catches (including a 51 yard TD), but was a special teams standout.
College: Northern Illinois. Holds the single game record for receiving yards (266) and was an honorable mention All-American.
Drafted: Undrafted free agent. Will be starting his 3rd season with the 'Boys.
Interesting Fact(s): Co-Hosts (along with T.O.) "Inside the Huddle" radio show on 105.3 FM in Dallas. You can hear him on Tuesday nights from 7:30-8:30
As well, was the recipient of Tony Romo's first NFL completion.

Miles Austin
Primarily a kick returner in his first three seasons, Austin is hoping to gain a more offensive role. He has 5 (yes, five) career receptions, but has proven he has the speed and big play ability to be a regular contributer to the offense.
College: Monmouth (NJ). Holds school records for TD receptions, receptions, and receiving yards.
Drafted: Undrafted free agent. Also beginning his third year.
Interesting Fact(s): On his high school track and field team, and holds the record for the longest javelin throw in Bergen County (NJ) history. 214'8".

Isaiah Stanback
As a rookie last season, Stanback saw little action--only playing in 2 games. However, the future seems bright, as the organization has raved about his improvement. At the very least, look to see Isaiah getting some heavy special teams play (returning kicks) and some scarce time with Romo.
College: Washington. Essentially did it all there: from multiple positions on the football team, to track excellence (5th in the Pac-10 in the 100 meter dash). Ranks in the top 10 in countless school history categories.
Drafted: 4th Round (103 overall) in 2007 by the Cowboys.
Interesting Fact(s): Played both WR and QB at Washington, and was the starting QB his junior and senior seasons.
Also, was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2006--though he didn't play college baseball--but passed it up for a chance to play in the NFL.

Prediction:

Look for Hurd to define himself as THE third WR. Also watch Austin to continue his kick returning, with Stanback peppered in as well. Depending on training camp, Stanback could improve greatly and surprise many people, in an Antwan Randle-El-esque manner.

THOUGHTS and LINKS:

--Hmm...regret for the Bulls already? Beasley 1. Rose 0

--Gotta love professional athletes and their spending habits. This is probably why a year in college is too short of a minimum.

--The classic SportsCenter duo, Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann are reuniting on NBC's NFL Sunday show. It will remind of of when SportsCenter showed highlights. Those were the days.

--Brett Farve needs to stay retired. Don't cry and tell me you're retiring, then come back two months later. Now I feel dumb for crying during his press conference. Don't tell anyone about that.

--Is anyone else happy the Mavs picked up Gerald Green solely because he blew out a candle in the dunk contest? We can brag about that now.

That's all for now, look out for Nate's take on the Rangers and their 4 All-Stars. That's history!

--PD

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