Following an offseason that began with high expectations, the Dallas Cowboys have shifted their focus to making strategic additions with the available resources. The team is now concentrating on finalizing their 90-man roster in preparation for training camp slated for late July. Among the notable moves is a workout scheduled with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr.
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Willie Harvey Jr. has emerged as one of the standout performers in the United Football League (UFL). He led the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season, topping the charts for linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). His exceptional performance earned him one of the three coveted inside linebacker spots on the UFL's inaugural All-League team.
A Journey of Persistence
Harvey's path to professional football has been anything but smooth. The linebacker went undrafted out of Iowa State in 2019 but was soon picked up by the Cleveland Browns. He oscillated between the Browns' practice squad and active roster, appearing in four NFL games. His last NFL appearance was 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 the NFL record for the most consecutive made field goals to start a career (35). He also tied for the second-most successful field goals in a single season without a miss (35) and set the record for the most touchbacks on kickoffs in a single season (99). Aubrey earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2023.
The Potential Impact of Harvey
Given the Cowboys' track record of success with players from alternative leagues, it wouldn't be surprising if Willie Harvey Jr. made a significant impact should the team decide to sign him. His UFL performance indicates that he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth.
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. We're never done. I actually just met with [vice president of player personnel] Will [McClay] for quite some time this morning. We've got plenty of really good players to practice and get ready. We were at 88 this time last year," he noted.
The Dallas Cowboys' approach of incorporating talent from alternative leagues has borne fruit in recent seasons. Players like Turpin and Aubrey have shown that they can make seamless transitions and become key contributors. Willie Harvey Jr. could be the next hidden gem to elevate the roster, continuing the trend of successful acquisitions from lesser-known leagues.
As the Cowboys proceed with their offseason plans, all eyes will be on the strategic decisions made to fortify the roster. The team is gearing up for what promises to be an intensely competitive training camp, with Harvey's performance potentially playing a crucial role in shaping the team's prospects for the upcoming season.