OXNARD, Calif. - Tim Benford displayed Sunday why the Cowboys gave the free agent wide receiver a late-round draft grade and $20,000 signing bonus.
The battle for the third wide receiver spot is still up in the air. Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett both said Miles Austin will be sidelined about a week with a hamstring injury. With Saalim Hakim out with a chipped bone in his finger and Danny Coale just coming off the Physically Unable to Perform List, Benford was able to take advantage of more looks and opportunities.
He snagged two touchdowns and made multiple catches during Sunday's Blue-White scrimmage. Benford said it's a grind every day trying to make the team, and it's important to let coaches know what he can do by making an impact in the passing game in full pads.
"I came from a small school," Benford said. "Everybody wanted me to show my talents, so I'm just trying to do what I can do to come out here and show that."
The rookie led Tennessee Tech in all major receiving categories his senior year, catching 65 passes for 923 yards and five touchdowns. He set a school record with 68 catches for 782 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman.
Benford said he had a good day Sunday, but he's still not satisfied. Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley, who are also competing for the third wide receiver spot, also scored in the scrimmage.
"I'm just coming to compete every day," Benford said. "Work hard and come out here and compete."
