OXNARD, Calif. – It's been quite the first impression for David Porter.
The Cowboys' newest wide receiver has been with the team for about 48 hours, but it's not unfair to say he's flashed just as much as any of his fellow rookie route runners.
But don't take just anyone's word for it. How about Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, who isn't known to use hyperbole.
"He got here, worked out at 11:30, practiced at 3:45 and by 4:30 had scored three touchdowns in practice," Garrett said of Porter. "It was one of the great debuts I've ever seen in my life."
That was in reference to Sunday's practice, when Porter wore No. 86 to practice two hours after replacing George Farmer on the roster. One day later, he was wearing Farmer's old No. 19 and continuing to stand out.
"The coaches said that I've got to really start getting to learning, because I'm going to start getting more reps," Porter said. "So I have to take a lot more extra time getting in that playbook, because I'm behind – I'm way behind. I have a lot to catch up, but they're going to help me through it and hopefully I can get it quick."
It's a bit of a turnaround for the Dallas native and TCU product, who was cut by the Broncos last week during training camp. Porter tallied 74 receptions for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns during four years with the Horned Frogs, but he was released before Denver played its preseason opener.
Garrett has emphasized throughout camp that younger players need to be prepared when given an opportunity, and he's been impressed by Porter's readiness.
"A lot of guys are on the street right now," Garrett said. "When they get an opportunity, they get a phone call late at night and say, 'Hey can you be in Oxnard, California, tomorrow for an 11:30 workout.' And the guy says that I have these aspirations, I have these dreams to do this. But he's not really ready for that opportunity. David clearly was."
An opportunity to crack an NFL roster is undoubtedly a thrill for any NFL player, but the Cowboys carry added significance for Porter – a native of nearby DeSoto, Texas, and a standout at DeSoto High School.
"My dad is a diehard Cowboys fan. Every Sunday we'd go over to my uncle's house and the whole family is there and we'd watch the Cowboys game," Porter said. "I always grew up watching the Cowboys, and it really is a dream come true to even be out here with this opportunity."
Not surprisingly for a young receiver from Dallas, Porter even had a favorite player in mind – someone he'll now share a meeting room with.
"It's more like Dez Bryant – closer to my age. I watched him in college and when I was in high school, so I was like 'I want to look like him when I get to college,'" he said.
Porter is out of college now – and onto the roster of his childhood team. If the first two days are any indicator, his stay should be interesting.
