Fast track: Cowboys hope "splendid sprinter'' can find a spot

The Cowboys just signed a player who hasn't played since high school and are asking him to change positions.

Why?

The 9.9 he ran in the 100-meter has something to do with it.

UT-San Antonio's Teddy Williams went through his first practice with the team Thursday afternoon. The four-time All-American track star last played football his senior year of high school at Tyler John Tyler when his season ended with a broken ankle. He was a receiver.

"The splendid sprinter,'' head coach Wade Phillips said. "We will look at him at defensive back. I think he said he can return kicks.

"Whatever he can do, he's fast.''

Williams called football his heart and love.

"It's a great feeling to be back on the field and to lace up the cleats, put on shoulder pads and a helmet again,'' Williams said. "I'm just excited and the coaches are excited.''

Phillips liked that Williams didn't shy away from the physical nature of practice. He said Williams has quick feet to move side to side _ something not all straight-line speed guys possess _ and can turn his hips, which is essential to playing cornerback.

The hope is that Williams shows enough to develop into a candidate for the practice squad, but Phillips was making no predictions.

"We'll just see how he does,'' Phillips said.

"I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm raw,'' Williams said. "Football comes pretty natural. I'm going to come out here and do my best, do what the... -- Continue reading at the publisher's site