(Editor's Note: As part of the preparation for training camp, this series will introduce 25 players who are new to the Cowboys' roster, rookies and veterans alike. We'll continue with linebacker Willie Harvey.)
How He Got Here: New to the Cowboys as one of two UFL players signed to the roster last month, Harvey certainly isn't a rookie to the NFL. He went undrafted in 2019 out of Iowa State, but signed on with the Browns, where he spent some time on the practice squad and a few games in the regular season over the next three years. Harvey wound up with the St. Louis BattleHawks in the XFL and stayed with the team as it transitioned to the UFL last year. Harvey was one of the best players in the league this past summer, leading the UFL in tackles with 76.
What's Next: After meeting with his linebacker coach, the first people Harvey should get to know with the Cowboys are KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey. Both of them made the jump from the USFL to the Cowboys over the past two offseasons. Now, playing linebacker is different than kicking and/or playing receiver and returning kicks, but the grind is the grind. Harvey should be in football shape but must figure out how to take the necessary rest when he can. At the same time, he'll probably say there is no time to rest as this could be one of his last shots to make an NFL roster. He joins a linebacker position that could use some help, especially if he can thrive on special teams.
Did You Know: Harvey wasn't just racking up tackles, but he spent plenty of time in opposing backfields. He was second in the UFL with nine tackles for loss and tied for 15th with four sacks.
