Defensive end Michael Sam hasn’t been with the Dallas Cowboys for much longer than 24 hours, yet he’s already making a good impression to someone that matters.
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That would be defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, whose opinion of Sam will obviously play a big role in whether the former Missouri Tiger gets called up from the practice squad to the active roster someday.
From Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News:
"“He’s got quickness and movement,” Marinelli said. “The guy is very passionate about what he’s doing and I really like that about him. But now it’s just developing a guy over and over every day. Now it’s just starting to get the feel of how it is to really come off the ball, things that you want. The movement is good.”(…)“As a defensive end, you’re looking for that elite speed and quickness,” Marinelli said. “It always doesn’t show early because guys get confused in what they’re trying to do, and practice squad guys are working against our offense, so he doesn’t get as many reps with what you want to do. It’s just a process.”"
Sam might not have that elite speed Marinelli’s talking about, but still had a solid showing during preseason play. As a member of the St. Louis Rams, Sam racked up three sacks and 11 tackles in the four games. Sam would figure to have a real shot at playing for Dallas at some point if he can continue to build off those performances.
The fact that Marinelli’s on his side already only makes that seem like more of a possibility.