There isn't much actual football activity going on at this time of year for the Cowboys, but that doesn't mean they aren't working on getting ready for the 2008 season, read here.

"Yeah, the workouts were great. The guys were excited about getting in here," said Juraszek, who is entering his 11th season as the team's strength coach. "I really have to be careful because they get so fired up and want to start doing so much, it's too much too fast. You never want to put reigns on guys but one of the primary objectives is to keep our guys healthy. So if guys get too much too fast, it's not safe."

Always good to hear the players are enthusiastic about getting back to work. I also like the mention about some bit players from last season going the extra mile to try and find a bigger role for themselves this season..

Juraszek said some of the players, including quarterback Richard Bartel, cornerback Alan Ball and safety Courtney Brown, even participated in a nine-week program leading up to this week, which gave them somewhat of an advantage heading into Monday's workouts.

"Our activity level leading up to this week was more than we've ever had before," Juraszek said. "They're not base-building as much. I can be a little more aggressive with their workout and their activity level is a little more aggressive because of that. But guys like Bartel, Quincy Butler, Alan Ball . . . we've had guys the whole time here. It's fun to see them transition back with the normal guys because they're a level ahead of those guys."

Juraszek said he can already see a difference in Ball's physique. Ball, a seventh-round pick from Illinois, was listed last year at 6-1, 176. "Alan Ball has gotten bigger," Juraszek said. "He's really impressed me with his strength."

Wade Phillips has mentioned Alan Ball a few times too. Maybe they really think the kid can really contribute this season. This team is in desperate need of CB's so I hope so.