'Coolest Thing I've Seen!' Cowboys Coach Reveals Jalen Tolbert 'Notebook' Habit
OXNARD, Calif. - Entering his second season in the NFL, Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert is looking to show everyone why he was worth using a third-round pick on.
Tolbert was labeled by some a "bust'' after rookie season, in part because he was expected to be a starter (due in part to Michael Gallup's rehab). However, after the end of the first week of training camp, new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has plenty of praise for the second-year playmaker and his growth beyond where he was a year ago.
"I see a guy who's figured it out," Schottenheimer said. "He figured, 'Hey, last year didn't get off to a great start.' I know I talked about him in the spring. He was one of the first guys (to get to work) in the building."
Tolbert's rookie numbers were poor as he started only one game and recorded two receptions for 12 yards.
Veteran receiver Brandin Cooks has had a positive impact on the young Cowboy, although Schottenheimer made sure Tolbert received his flowers as well.
"Brandin has been a big part of that, yes, but I'd be remiss if I didn't sell Jalen on the way he's worked — coming up and sitting in offices, just checking in and being around," Schottenheimer said.
The talent is undoubtedly there and will hopefully be unleashed in coach Mike McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense.'' If McCarthy and Schottenheimer and the offense can bring out the Tolbert that we saw during his final two seasons at South Alabama, which saw him haul in 146 receptions for 2,559 yards and 16 touchdowns? The draft status and the work ethic would be a huge win for Dallas.
A lot of that will ultimately fall on Tolbert, and his ability to prepare not only physically but mentally - with Schottenheimer loving what he's seen so far on both fronts.
"It's one of the coolest things I've ever seen: the way he prepares his mind ... I was blown away,'' said "Schotty,'' revealing that Tolbert keeps an amazingly thorough handwritten notebook chronicling details from meetings and coaching sessions. "I told him to save that and I used that in the front of the (team in meetings) because it's dynamic.''
"That,'' Schottenheimer said, "is what this game requires. It's not just talent. The mental side — these players don't get enough credit for how hard it is to do what they do in playing full speed, and reacting to moving parts, but he's figuring it out. He's also working his (butt) off."
Tolbert is playing behind CeeDee Lamb, Cooks and Gallup, working to secure the No. 4 job. He has chance to make an impact ... and to write his ticket just as assuredly as he's writing in that notebook.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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