Barry Church, Stephen Williams Battle for their NFL Dreams
5/26/2010 7:17:00 PM | Football
DALLAS - If Barry Church was disappointed that he wasn't selected in the NFL Draft, he isn't thinking about it now. After all, there's no time to dwell on the past when you are trying to earn a spot on the Dallas Cowboys, AKA "America's Team."
Besides, if Church makes the team, who will remember that he was an undrafted free agent?
Church, a 6-2, 219-pound safety, was a four-time All-MAC honoree at Toledo, just the third player in Mid-American Conference history to accomplish this feat. After experiencing a number of mini-camps and OTAs (Organized Team Activities), Church likes his chances of making the 53-man roster.
"I don't want to jinx it, but I really like my chances of making the team," said Church.
Life for Church in Cowboy World so far has consisted of OTAs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with workouts on Thursdays and Fridays. He has received some positive reviews from assistant coaches during the team's OTAs, and also had a handful of interceptions during his initial rookie mini-camp.
"It's been a great learning experience. I grew up watching Tony Romo and Marion Barber, so it's a thrill to be able to play with players like that," said Church. "I'm picking up the defense pretty well. Learning the calls and checks has been relatively easy, but I'm sure it will get harder when we get to training camp."
Church said the biggest surprise so far has been the laid back and friendly atmosphere in the locker room.
"I thought maybe the guys wouldn't be that friendly, would only talk with the guys they knew, but it hasn't been like that at all," said Church. "The guys have been great. They like to joke around in the locker room and have a good time. I feel like I fit in just fine."
The Cowboys have two more weeks of OTAs, then another mini-camp in June, then two weeks off before they report to training camp in San Antonio on July 23. The pre-season opens up with a game again the Bengals in Canton, OH, just about halfway between Toledo and Church's hometown of Pittsburgh.
Stephen Williams: "I Feel I Belong Here"
Stephen Williams is another Rocket trying to reach his NFL dreams. Williams, a 6-5, 199-pound wide receiver, was signed a free agent by the Arizona Cardinals. Like Church, Williams is working every day, trying to make an impression on the coaches.
"I feel my chances of making the team are pretty high," said Williams. "I believe hard work does pay off and I believe that is getting noticed out here on the practice field."
Williams said he has madet he transition to professional football fairly easily. The biggest adjustment has been the added homework.
"I really haven't been surprised with anything," said Williams, a native of Houston. "I really feel like I belong here. Not once have I felt like I'm out of my element. The biggest transition for my is the playbook and the terminology. The playbook is bigger than a dictionary."
