OXNARD, Calif. — The Cowboys have been here nearly a full week, but Saturday marked the official start of camp with the opening ceremony.
A nice crowd was on hand to see some of the most intense action of camp.
Check out the most notable practice points as camp continues in California:
Join the Crowd: As expected, the first Saturday practice drew the largest crowd of the week – by far. The stands were completely full on one side of the field, as the Cowboys not only held a spirited practice, but had their annual Opening Ceremony with owner/GM Jerry Jones and Oxnard city officials. There were some former Cowboys in attendance as well, including lineman Igor Olshansky, along with Isaiah Stanback on the NFL Network and Charles Haley, who is a frequent visitor at The Star in Frisco. - (Nick Eatman)
Rob Jones goes first: For the first time in Oxnard, Cowboys first round pick Tyler Booker didn't take first team reps at right guard. Instead, it was Rob Jones, who started every game at that spot for the Dolphins last season. Booker did take some reps with the second team, but also watched from behind on a few different series. - (Tommy Yarrish)
Blue's Big Day: Rookie fifth round pick Jaydon Blue had the play of the day with a diving one handed catch from Joe Milton, who floated a pass over a defender to place it where only Blue could have a chance. He's also seen some more run with the second team offense, and had a solid carry where he got to the second level and hit the gas to get away from everyone. - (Tommy Yarrish)
King Kaiir: Well, not quite, but it sure felt that way when he grabbed yet another interception in training camp, only this time he celebrated by playfully grabbing a toddler from the behind the fence and hoisting the happy youngster into the air whilst the entirety of the defense swarmed them in unadulterated glee — like a king in a court. Elam looks refreshed in a Cowboys' uniform. Very, very refreshed. - (Patrik Walker)
Oh, 'Yeh!: One thing that has been on full display in camp is the versatility of Juanyeh Thomas. The veteran safety is also taking reps at nickel corner but, on Saturday, his athleticism was put on film on the back end of the defense. Operating as a free safety, he covered a ton of ground to hawk a pass from Dak Prescott — completely laying out to secure it before it hit the ground. - (Patrik Walker)
The Closer: You know it's a great play when guys from the other side of the ball were congratulating him. That's what happened on the final play of team drills Saturday when tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford caught a touchdown pass down the seam of the field. The ball was thrown by Joe Milton, who placed the ball high enough for Spann-Ford to adjust his body in mid-air to snag the pass for the score. While all of the offensive players rushed towards him to celebrate, quite a few of the defensive guys from Troy Pride to Marist Liufau were congratulating him. Liufau even said "I'm glad you didn't catch that on me." - (Nick Eatman)
