Following an offseason that began with high expectations for the Dallas Cowboys, the team's strategy has shifted to making strategic additions with the resources available. The Cowboys are now focusing on finalizing their 90-man roster as they gear up for training camp in late July.
One of the key moves includes scheduling a workout with St. Louis Battlehawks linebacker Willie Harvey Jr., who has shown remarkable performance in the United Football League (UFL).
Willie Harvey Jr.'s Impressive UFL Performance
Harvey emerged as one of the standout performers in the UFL. He led the league with 78 total tackles during its 10-game season. Additionally, he topped all UFL linebackers in tackles for loss (nine), passes defended (six), and forced fumbles (two). Harvey's outstanding 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 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. Harvey 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 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). Furthermore, 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 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 suggests that he has the potential to become a regular starter or provide valuable depth to the Cowboys' linebacker corps.
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 remarked. "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."
As the Cowboys prepare for their upcoming season, the addition of a player like Willie Harvey Jr. could be a pivotal move. His journey of persistence and standout performance in the UFL align well with the Cowboys’ history of discovering and nurturing talent from alternative leagues. Whether Harvey becomes a key starter or a valuable depth player, his presence could contribute significantly to the team’s success in the upcoming season.