NoDak
Hotlinking' sonofabitch
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Jon Machota, Staff Writer
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FRISCO -- A year ago at this time, Rico Gathers says he felt like his head was about to burst.
There was just too much new information for the rookie tight end to process.
Transitioning from standout college basketball player to NFL tight end has a steep learning curve.
"But once we went on that break before training camp, that's when everything slowed down for me," Gathers said Friday before the Cowboys' first rookie minicamp practice at The Star. "It's just second nature now."
Gathers is no longer a rookie. But he's one of 10 veterans taking part in this weekend's rookie camp. After spending all of last season on Dallas' practice squad, the 6-6, 290-pound former power forward says he's "very confident" he'll contribute this year on the team's active roster.
"Honestly, I feel like I'm a thousand times better than what I was," Gathers said. "That was like a baby walking into a business office, trying to run a business."
Gathers has natural pass-catching ability and athleticism. Both were on display at times during training camp and in the preseason. His blocking and understanding of the offense were what held him back. And that's expected when someone doesn't play football for nearly a decade.
But Gathers vows that his blocking will be much improved when the pads come on in training camp.
Before retiring in the offseason, former tight ends coach Mike Pope told Gathers that his unique work ethic would lead to him one day becoming a Pro Bowl tight end.
Pope was one of many who saw Gathers display his upside during practices last season, specifically ones when Tony Romo was under center with the scout team.
Gathers posed mismatches in the passing game with smaller defenders and Romo knew exactly how to take advantage.
"Having a guy like Tony Romo in your corner, believing in you, seeing your potential and maximizing it during that time we had, that was a surreal moment," Gathers said. "He'd keep me after practice and have me work on certain routes and stuff like that. I couldn't ask for a better situation than having him work with me and just taking the time out to really mold me [and] just getting the basics down for me."
Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Gathers' catch radius makes him "always an option" in passing situations.
"They play man [defense] across the board," Linehan said, "throw it to the [6-6] guy."
A sign that the Cowboys believe in Gathers' upside came late last month during the NFL draft. For only the second time in the last six years, Dallas didn't pick a tight end.
The hope is that Gathers will eventually be able to make highlight plays on Sundays like the one in last year's preseason finale. After hauling in a short dump pass from Jameill Showers, Gathers had his legs taken out by a Houston defensive back. But instead of falling, Gathers used his left hand to regain his balance after spinning in the air. In the end, he broke six tackles, turning a one-yard gain into eight.
Legendary Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, who was calling the game on CBS 11, pointed out after the play that Gathers resembled a Greek God.
"This dude here," Irvin said during the broadcast, "he looks like Zeus."
Gathers said ever since Irvin made that comment, Zeus has been his weight-room nickname among teammates.
"When you get people like Michael Irvin saying that, that's how you get things going," Gathers said. "Hopefully that's what people will be saying, whenever I make plays, 'Zeuuussssss!'
"It would be cool to hear that. Bring back that Zeus moment."
... Its going to overload Booze.
