Cowboy's Third-round pick makes impression
Third-round pick makes impression
By RICK HERRIN
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
IRVING – Some pre-draft projections called Grambling State defensive end Jason Hatcher a developmental player.
The Cowboys see him differently, which was apparent when they drafted him in the third round. Hatcher (6-foot-6, 284 pounds) was a former tight end at Grambling and has played defensive end for just two years.
``I’m definitely going to make an impact here,” Hatcher said. ``Hopefully you’ll see me in the rotation.”
Hatcher’s massive size is as noticeable as his pass-rushing speed on the outside during rookie minicamp.
Hatcher believes he was under coached at Grambling leading to the speculation he needs a few years to develop. He says he has benefited greatly from the Cowboys’ coaching. Grambling head coach Melvin Spears was at Valley Ranch on Saturday watching his former player.
``I didn’t come from the best of the best coaching,” Hatcher said. ``I learned so much these last couple of days it’s overwhelming. I’m just picking up on stuff real fast and making plays.”
Saldi following dad
Free agent outside linebacker John Saldi is truly following in the footsteps of his father and former Cowboys tight end Jay Saldi.
Jay was an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina and played for the Cowboys from 1976-82.
``This is a dream for me,” said John, a product of Carroll and Texas Tech.
John Saldi (6-foot-5, 233 pounds) worked out for the Cowboys before the draft and believes his speed helped land him a contract. He also drew free agent interest from Baltimore, San Francisco, Seattle and Arizona.
``I definitely have to bulk up and get much stronger,” John said. ``I need to learn fast and the strength will come.”
Summers’ second chance
After rushing for more yards in high school than Emmitt Smith, Demetris Summers seemed always destined for the NFL.
He just didn’t expect to get here this way.
Summers, who was kicked out of South Carolina before last season following a failed drug test, is one of several players trying out for the Cowboys at this weekend’s rookie minicamp.
Summers spent last season working out for the NFL Draft, but did not get selected. He said several teams expressed interest in him as a free agent, but he felt Dallas offered the best opportunity.
Summers said he sent letters to all 32 teams before the draft explaining to them what happened at South Carolina.
“I have to come out and do my best,” Summers said. “They told me they were going to give me a chance. Nothing is guaranteed. I just need to learn the playbook and try my best.”
Briefly
TCU head coach Gary Patterson attended the Saturday afternoon practice and visited with coach Bill Parcells.
Former Cowboys wide receiver Alexander Wright (1990-92), who was hired as offensive coordinator at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie in March, attended Saturday’s practice.
Cowboys linebacker Akin Ayodele, an Irving native who was acquired in the off-season, and guard Andre Gurode attended Saturday’s morning practice.
By RICK HERRIN
STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER
IRVING – Some pre-draft projections called Grambling State defensive end Jason Hatcher a developmental player.
The Cowboys see him differently, which was apparent when they drafted him in the third round. Hatcher (6-foot-6, 284 pounds) was a former tight end at Grambling and has played defensive end for just two years.
``I’m definitely going to make an impact here,” Hatcher said. ``Hopefully you’ll see me in the rotation.”
Hatcher’s massive size is as noticeable as his pass-rushing speed on the outside during rookie minicamp.
Hatcher believes he was under coached at Grambling leading to the speculation he needs a few years to develop. He says he has benefited greatly from the Cowboys’ coaching. Grambling head coach Melvin Spears was at Valley Ranch on Saturday watching his former player.
``I didn’t come from the best of the best coaching,” Hatcher said. ``I learned so much these last couple of days it’s overwhelming. I’m just picking up on stuff real fast and making plays.”
Saldi following dad
Free agent outside linebacker John Saldi is truly following in the footsteps of his father and former Cowboys tight end Jay Saldi.
Jay was an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina and played for the Cowboys from 1976-82.
``This is a dream for me,” said John, a product of Carroll and Texas Tech.
John Saldi (6-foot-5, 233 pounds) worked out for the Cowboys before the draft and believes his speed helped land him a contract. He also drew free agent interest from Baltimore, San Francisco, Seattle and Arizona.
``I definitely have to bulk up and get much stronger,” John said. ``I need to learn fast and the strength will come.”
Summers’ second chance
After rushing for more yards in high school than Emmitt Smith, Demetris Summers seemed always destined for the NFL.
He just didn’t expect to get here this way.
Summers, who was kicked out of South Carolina before last season following a failed drug test, is one of several players trying out for the Cowboys at this weekend’s rookie minicamp.
Summers spent last season working out for the NFL Draft, but did not get selected. He said several teams expressed interest in him as a free agent, but he felt Dallas offered the best opportunity.
Summers said he sent letters to all 32 teams before the draft explaining to them what happened at South Carolina.
“I have to come out and do my best,” Summers said. “They told me they were going to give me a chance. Nothing is guaranteed. I just need to learn the playbook and try my best.”
Briefly
TCU head coach Gary Patterson attended the Saturday afternoon practice and visited with coach Bill Parcells.
Former Cowboys wide receiver Alexander Wright (1990-92), who was hired as offensive coordinator at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie in March, attended Saturday’s practice.
Cowboys linebacker Akin Ayodele, an Irving native who was acquired in the off-season, and guard Andre Gurode attended Saturday’s morning practice.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:33 AM
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