The Dallas Cowboys annually have what they call “Dallas Day.” A day in which they invite pro prospects who went to local area high schools or colleges/universities to try out for a spot in training camp. The most notable player who came out of “Dallas Day” is probably former Cowboys wide receiver Patrick Crayton, who attended high school in DeSoto.
Dallas Kimball’s Phillip Tanner is a player currently on the roster who came out of a “Dallas Day,” even scoring a touchdown last season. This year the Cowboys signed 4 players out of “Dallas Day.”
OLB Adrian Hamilton
Hamilton, who played locally at famed Dallas Carter, had an interesting college career, signing with Oklahoma State, playing for Texas Tech, ending up in junior college before finally winding up with Prairie View A&M. So what did he do while their? Had an SWAC record season with 22 sacks, breaking Indianapolis Colts’ Robert Mathis’ single season record in the process. The Cowboys have been constantly searching for someone to get after the quarterback opposite DeMarcus Ware and Hamilton’s ability to get after the quarterback gives him a chance to make the roster.
CB Isaac Madison
Another Dallas Carter product started the last 3 years at corner for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He played well during offseason workouts, even alongside Morris Claiborne and Mike Jenkins in the first team nickel package. But the most he could hope for is 5th on the depth chart. In previous seasons Dallas’ questionable depth at corner would have given him a chance to make the team, unfortunately he is trying to make the squad in a year where they not only signed a big name free agent corner in Brandon Carr but traded up in the draft to acquire the best overall defensive player, corner Morris Claiborne. To make the roster Madison is going to need to prove his worth in specials teams packages.
WR Cole Beasley
Played high school ball at Little Elm, where is Dad is the coach, before playing for SMU. He is a prototype short inside slot receiver, and posted consecutive 1,000 yards seasons receiving at SMU. Coaches can’t help but notice his tendency to get open and catch the ball. The Cowboys previously moved Miles Austin to the slot in multi-receiver formations. Beasley could be an option for that role, though he has competition with Cowboys’ draft pick Danny Coale, who some expect will compete for the same role.
RB Lance Dunbar
A 5’8″ 191 lbs. back who broke all the records at the University of North Texas. He holds all-time records for rushing yards (4,224), all-purpose yards (5,375) and touchdowns (49). His main competition is Tanner Phillips who joined the Cowboys through this same “Dallas Day.” He could earn the spot for him or the 4th spot on the Dallas depth chart. The Cowboys kept 4 RBs on the roster at the beginning of the last season. He will be given a chance to impress on kick returns, and this is where he could prove his worth and earn a roster spot.
You can follow Mike Dyce on Twitter @mikedyce.
To stay up to date on the latest from NFL Spin Zone, become a fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.