Thursday, July 30, 1998

Gailey impressed with undrafted quarterback

By Jean-Jacques Taylor

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

WICHITA FALLS, Texas - Danny Gonzalez is putting himself in position to be the Cowboys' third-string quarterback this season.

That's not bad for an undrafted free agent from East Carolina.

The Cowboys cut former Texas Christian University quarterback Max Knake of McKinney, Texas, on Monday, in part, because he made too many mental mistakes. For now, former Rice quarterback Josh LaRocca is Gonzalez's only competition.

"There's going to be competition wherever you are, so just because they released someone doesn't mean you go and let up," said Gonzalez, who passed for 2,510 yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season.

"They haven't seen me play - that'll happen Friday night in Texas Stadium - and that's what it's all about."

Coach Chan Gailey said he has been impressed with Gonzalez's approach to practice and studying the offense.

His biggest problem has been getting repetitions in practice. With the Cowboys putting in a new offense, most of the practice time has been devoted to getting quarterback Troy Aikman and backup Jason Garrett familiar with Gailey's offense.

"He's got a strong arm and a good knowledge of the game," Gailey said. "He's making rookie mistakes, but that's to be expected."

(c) 1998, The Dallas Morning News.

Visit The Dallas Morning News on the World Wide Web at http://www.dallasnews.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.