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Monday, August 25, 1997

Eagles' ex-No. 1 pick Renfro impresses Cowboys

Bart Hubbuch

The Dallas Morning News

(KRT)

IRVING, Texas - The redemption of defensive tackle Leonard Renfro is complete. Or is it?

The former Philadelphia Eagles' No. 1 pick, who hasn't played in a regular-season game since 1994 after being cut elsewhere each of the past two years, was an unexpected survivor Sunday when the Cowboys reached the NFL's 53-man roster limit.

Renfro remains anxious, though, because the Cowboys must release one more player before this Sunday's opener at Pittsburgh to create a roster spot for Deion Sanders.

But Renfro appears safe, judging from coach Barry Switzer's comments Sunday. The Cowboys, who are without suspended All-Pro Leon Lett for at least 13 games, kept six defensive tackles after hinting strongly throughout training camp that they would retain only five.

"We decided to go another route," Switzer said. "We decided to keep both those guys (Renfro and Hurvin McCormack) for the depth."

The 6-3, 308-pound Renfro, cut by Washington last year, impressed the Cowboys with a quick first step and solid play in the pre-season. He had seven tackles combined in Dallas' four exhibition games.

"I went into camp this year, gave it my all and played well," he said Sunday. "That I can say."

Renfro remains for now, despite incurring personal fouls for questionable hits in each of the last two games. He faces a possible fine from the NFL for an apparent helmet tackle last Friday on Tennessee Oilers quarterback Jim Ritchey.

Making cuts

To reach the 53-man limit Sunday, the Cowboys cut guard Tony Hutson, running back Jarvis Perry, offensive tackle T.J. Washington and wide receiver Oronde Gadsden, who had been signed only last week. Dallas also reached an injury settlement with guard Pat Kesi.

Switzer said the Cowboys will field a practice squad of between two and four players, and they would like the 6-3, 313-pound Hutson to join it.

Hutson spent all of last season on the Cowboys' developmental unit but was set back in June by torn ligaments in his wrist.

"Hutson's young at his position and has a chance," Switzer said.

Diamonds in the rough

As expected, the Cowboys kept all nine of their draft picks Sunday, as well as rookie free agents Toby Gowin (at)of North Texas and Kevin Mathis (at)of Texas A&M-Commerce.

Unexpectedly, the Cowboys also retained safety Singor Mobley(at), a rookie free agent from Washington State. Mobley, though, could be cut this week to create a spot on the active roster for Deion Sanders.

The speedy Mathis appeared to be amazed that he beat the odds to make the Cowboys as a cornerback and punt returner.

"You never can be laid back, because anything can happen," said Mathis, a Gainesville High School product. "Still, it's a special thing to be with the Cowboys. When I was little, I was a big fan."

Briefly...

Defensive tackle Chad Hennings said he is appealing the $7,500 fine he received from the NFL for an alleged helmet tackle Aug. 15 on St. Louis quarterback Tony Banks. No flag was thrown on the play...Guard Nate Newton, sidelined for two weeks with a sprained tendon in his heel, returned to practice Sunday and expects to play against Pittsburgh.

(c) 1997, The Dallas Morning News.

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