About a year ago, a little old blog called Wasted Optimism told you about 6 Cowboys That Could be Household Names By December. We told you about guys named Justin Gilbert, Brodrick Brown and Shaun Lewis - in June. But we are a MUCH bigger deal now, so the number goes from 6 to 10. What can I say, the SBN bossman is demanding.
Here's 10 guys to keep your eye on this summer as they could make a huge impact for the Cowboys in the fall.
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Jeremy Smith
Smith became our 3rd Down back last year and did a great job with 262 and 7 touchdowns. I expect him to have a bigger role this year as the downhill runner with Joe Randle as the slashing pass catcher. The thing about Jeremy Smith is that he's explosive. He rushed for 160 yards and a TD in his college debut and no longer has a guy named Kendall in front of him. Watch out.
Hubert Anyiam
Alot of people forget that Anyiam was our most productive returning player heading into last year. He dealt with lingering issues from a spring injury all of last year. The guy has a 38 inch vertical leap and he can do work when healthy. I expect a lot from Dancin Anyiam.
Devin Hedgepeth
I think it's safe to say Devin Hedgepeth got picked on a little bit last year. Ok, alot. But that experience will pay off and I think he'll play some big minutes at corner for the Pokes. He did a great job in the spring game covering Blackmon. You know, the best receiver in the country.
Herschel Sims
An easy pick for sure, but I can't wait to see this kid. Adrian Peterson set the NCAA Rushing Record with 1925 yards as a true freshman. It happens, and Sims is good. We'll likely see a three headed monster at tailback but watching Sims should be exciting.
Zack Craig
The 6-2, 190 pound Safety played sparingly last year but should have a bigger impact this year. Every thing I hear about this kid is that he's big and plays hard, which is exactly what you want from the safety position. He had 2 interceptions, 7 tackles and 3 pass break ups in the spring game.
Tracy Moore
Most people know about Justin Blackmon and Hubert Anyiam, but it was Moore who led the way in the spring game. He was a bit of a disappointment last year but honestly, if I'm Weeden I'm throwing to Blackmon most of the time too. Defenses have had the entire offense to draw up a plan to stop Blackmon so I expect things to open up for the other receivers.
Daytawion Lowe
Lowe got off to a great start in his college debut against Georgia then was sidelined with injury. Gifted athletically with a 34 inch vertical. Could be a huge factor on special teams where help is needed.
Kye Staley
Staley will be exciting to watch even if he doesn't have a huge year. Doctors told him he would never play football again, and he's proving them wrong. Staley had an impressive spring and looks to finally make an impact for the Cowboys.
Christian Littlehead
At 6-3, 305 Littlehead is a big boy. He looks to have an immediate opportunity to play at DT, opposite Nigel Nichols and has the potential to clog up the middle and stop the run.
Michael Harrison
Like Royal said in his preseason preview, Harrison is a big receiver that is capable of exposing mismatches. As a redshirt freshman last year, he got of to a slow start but came on strong at Louisiana where he had 4 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown. Had a big momentum changing TD in Manhattan and a huge punt block returned for a TD against Kansas. He's young, he's athletic and he's got good hands.