Following an offseason that started with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, their approach has now shifted towards making strategic additions with the resources available. The Cowboys are focusing on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp in late July.
The team has scheduled a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., an emerging talent from the United Football League (UFL).
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Willie Harvey Jr. emerged as one of the standout performers in the UFL, leading the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season. His impressive stats don't stop there; he also led all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). Harvey’s exceptional performances earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's journey to professional football has been anything but smooth. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019 but was picked up by the Cleveland Browns. Over the next few seasons, he oscillated between the Browns' practice squad and active roster, appearing in four NFL games. His last NFL appearance came during the 2021 season when he recorded a tackle in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite limited opportunities, Harvey managed to make his mark on special teams, recording two tackles in his four-game NFL career.
Dallas's History with Alternative League Talent
The Cowboys have shown a knack for finding talent in alternative leagues. In 2022, they signed KaVontae Turpin, a wide receiver and return man who had earned MVP honors in the USFL. Turpin went on to earn Pro Bowl honors as a rookie. Last season, the Cowboys added kicker Brandon Aubrey from the USFL. Aubrey set an NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35) and tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35). Additionally, Aubrey set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99), earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given this track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it wouldn’t be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the Cowboys decide to sign him. His UFL performance suggests that he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth to the roster. Harvey’s versatility and demonstrated ability to perform under pressure could make him a valuable asset in both defensive schemes and special teams play.
Coach McCarthy's Perspective
Coach Mike McCarthy has consistently emphasized the team’s commitment to improving the roster. "I think it's just kind of where we are," McCarthy stated. "We're never done. I actually just met with (vice president of player personnel) Will (McClay) for quite some time this morning. We got plenty of really good players to practice and get ready. We were at 88 this time last year."
McCarthy's comments highlight the continuous effort to enhance the team's talent pool, ensuring that the Cowboys remain competitive throughout the season. With the likes of Harvey potentially joining the roster, the Cowboys seem poised to bolster their linebacker corps, adding depth and competition to the unit.
As the Cowboys finalize their roster for the upcoming training camp, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how the new additions, particularly from alternative leagues, integrate into the team. The franchise's history of successfully identifying and developing talent from non-traditional sources offers a promising outlook for future acquisitions like Harvey.
In summary, as the Cowboys prepare for the rigors of the new season, their strategic approach to roster building, including tapping into alternative leagues, could yield another success story. Willie Harvey Jr.'s journey to the Cowboys serves as a testament to perseverance and opportunity, embodying the potential to make a significant impact both on and off the field.