Dak Prescott opens up on Brandin Cooks and Tony Pollard

Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott had his 30th birthday on Saturday. And he celebrated it in style with a day of practice in Oxnard, California. He took some time to speak with NFL Network during their NFL training camp coverage on Saturday afternoon. Prescott’s chemistry with his new receiver, Brandin Cooks, has turned heads early in fall camp. What did the former Mississippi State star have to say about his new teammate?

“He’s a true veteran,” Prescott began. “He’s a true pro on and off the field the way he takes care of his body. The way that he approaches the game. He’s been in the league for a while. You can tell that he’s been around some really good coaches, some great quarterbacks. And he brings all that experience to this team and that receiver group. Guys like CeeDee [Lamb] and Michael Gallup. They’re benefitting so much from him. As you said. Just when you get out there. His physical ability. Him being able to stretch the field open up some options for us. It’s gonna be great.”

While he’s certainly not getting any younger (he’s currently 29 years old and will turn 30 in a few months), Brandin Cooks has been one of the more dependable deep threats in the league. Throughout the course of his nine-year NFL career, Cooks has hauled in over 1,000 receiving yards in six of those seasons. The former Oregon State star has hauled in 630 total catches for 8,616 receiving yards, while bringing in 49 total touchdown catches in his career.

The Cowboys are hoping he can help stretch the field vertically with his playmaking ability deep down the field.

Another noticeable difference on the Cowboys’ roster this year is the fact that there’s no Ezekiel Elliott out there. The front office parted ways with the man that was not only an excellent runner during his prime, but also an exceptional blocking running back. The backfield now entirely belongs to Tony Pollard, a runner who has established himself as one of the most efficient and electrifying tailbacks in the league over the past few years.

Dak Prescott on Tony Pollard embracing leadership role

Has Prescott seen any differences in Pollard this offseason and has he embraced his leadership role with the team?

“Yeah, for sure. Tony’s a guy that does everything the right way,” Prescott continued. “Definitely like you said, silent leader. You can just watch him and see how to approach the game on and off the field. How to take care of your body. But, from the time Tony’s come in, he’s been a pro and he’s been able to do everything that we’ve asked him to do. It’s not just a home run hitter or whatever. He can be an every down back. He can block. I feel comfortable doing that. And you can see it out here each and every play. Coming back from an injury, he’s been great.”

Pollard showcased himself as one of the best all-purpose backs in the league last season. He racked up over 1,300 all-purpose yards and 12 total touchdowns. He underwent surgery following the season to repair the ligaments from a high ankle sprain he suffered in the team’s divisional-round playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He recently gave an update on his health ahead of training camp and said he’s “pretty much at 100 percent.”