Sam Hurd didn't do much last season. He was thrown into the #3 WR spot when Terry Glenn went down and while he was involved in the offense he really wasn't someone the opposing defense had to prepare for on a weekly basis.

That may change in 2008. Here's some info on how Hurd has worked to improve his game, read here.

But Hurd has made a considerable effort to gain weight since the Cowboys signed him as rookie free agent back in 2006. This time two years ago, Hurd stepped off the plane in Oxnard weighing 193 pounds. Now he checks in around 205, having added a noticeable 10-14 pounds of muscle to his upper body.

"When you've got more weight you can throw it around," Hurd said. "I feel better going in to block safeties now."

Hurd has looked impressive in camp, running precise routes and competing for the ball in team drills. His extra bulk will be helpful in getting off jams at the line of scrimmage.

"He needs it because he's on special teams, plus he's going to be going against defensive backs that are going to be physical with him," wide receivers coach Ray Sherman said. "He's got to have the strength to get off of them, plus it'll also give him the opportunity to break tackles."

Hurd may be getting a lot more looks this season from Tony Romo. If he can prove to be dependable then the other offensive weapons can be used as decoys in some situations. The key is for Hurd to just keep working hard and showing Romo he's taken the next step.

Right now the word out of camp is that Hurd is winning the battle with Miles Austin for the #3 WR spot and if he just continues to be consistent I think the job will be his on opening day.