Former Cowboys Quarterback Predicts Camp Surprises: One Choice Shocked Us!
With Dallas Cowboys training camp kicking off it’s first practice on July 30th, now is the time we start hearing about those projected breakout stars that could rise out of Dallas’ talent-bloated roster. Although we are all looking forward to seeing veteran players like quarterback Tony Romo, wide recevier Dez Bryant and defensive end Greg Hardy get their reps in, it’s the little-known prospects that can use this time to show they belong.
Former Cowboys quarterback turned-analyst Babe Laufenberg recent listed two players he will be eying closely during training camp this offseason. And one name certainly raised our eyebrows.
"“I think there are two,” Laufenberg responded to a question posed on the Dallas Morning News site Thursday. “One is George Farmer, the receiver out of USC. The other, is quarterback Dustin Vaughn. Farmer was a kid with a lot of talent who went undrafted, and it is hard to hide a guy who comes out of USC.”"
Vaughan has been a name mentioned several times on our site as a possible back-up quarterback threat to incumbent Brandon Weeden. But Farmer is the choice that surprised us.
The former Trojan is a name easily lost among what could possibly be the best undrafted wide receiver class in the NFL. It’s a group that consists of Farmer, Baylor’s Antwan Goodley, Houston’s Deontay Greenberry, Kansas’ Nick Hartwell, and Florida Atlantic’s Lucky Whitehead.
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Throw in first-year wide out Reggie Dunn and former first round selection A.J. Jenkins all competing for possibly one active roster spot or a place on the Cowboys practice squad, and this promises to be a heated competition the next couple months.
As for Farmer, his pedigree is outstanding. Son of a former NFL wide out of the same name, the just turned 22-year old was ranked the top high school wide recevier prospect in the country in 2011 by Rivals.com. Farmer was actually ranked higher than current NFL superstar receivers Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants, the Buffalo Bills’ Sammy Watkins, and the Carolina Panthers’ Kelvin Benjamin.
Early on, Farmer committed to his father’s alma mater, the University of Southern California. Unfortunately, the young wide out was used sparsely his freshman and sophomore years. Then, a tragic ACL and MCL injury sidelined him in 2013.
Last season, Farmer was able to return to form and posted his best collegiate numbers with 25 receptions for 314 yards and four touchdowns. Despite another year of eligibility, the young wide out decided to declare for the NFL Draft.
After a disappointing college career, Farmer bring his untapped talents to Dallas hoping to crack a very tough roster. Despite clocking a 4.35 forty-yard dash time at his pro day, the biggest knock on the 6-1, 220 pound receiver is his inability to create separation from defenders. (although the below video seems to showcase the opposite)
This offseason, former NFL scout and current analyst for DallasCowboys.com Bryan Broaddous had this breakdown of Farmer in the following scouting report that was posted on their site in May.
"“Protects the ball when running the slant. Will use a stiff arm to get separation after the catch. Not much initial quickness or power off the line when facing press. For his size, he should do a better job coming off the line. Will come back to the ball. Able to get his feet down on the sideline. Works to get open. Good on the option route. Will take his route across the middle. Can make contested catches. Has natural hands. Plays with body control. Will need some serious work on his routes. Like to see more consistency in those routes. Adjust to the ball down the middle of the field. Will go get the ball. Would think that he would separate better with his speed but there are snaps where he just doesn’t. Physically gifted player.”"
With receivers Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley and Devin Street all most likely a lock to make a roster that kept only five active spots available last year, the recevier competition in Oxnard this summer promises to be very exciting.