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Posted on Fri, Jun. 13, 2008 After two seasons of struggle, linebacker finds a ray of hope
By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.
Star-Telegram staff writer



GETTY IMAGES/STEPHEN DUNN
Bobby Carpenter, right, chasing the Rams' Dante Hall in a game last season, hopes to make a mark this season.

IRVING -- Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter drew attention at Wednesday's practice for two pass deflections.

While it might not seem like much -- considering it's only June and the Cowboys are practicing without pads -- it counts as positive news for Carpenter.

Picked in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Carpenter, 24, has received a lot of negative press the past two years because of his lack of playing time.

Labeled a bust in Dallas, Carpenter thought the Cowboys might trade him during the 2008 draft in April. He said he believes the Cowboys received at least two offers for him, including one from the Miami Dolphins, where former Cowboys coach Bill Parcells is head of football operations.

Carpenter said his agent talked to the Cowboys about the trade rumors, and they were told the team had no interest in trading him.

"I'd like to think that means they have a plan for me," Carpenter said. "We will see. I just want an opportunity to play."

Carpenter remains optimistic, but guarded, about his situation in Dallas. He had hopes of playing more last year after ending his rookie season on a high note. However, coach Wade Phillips soured on him after a poor performance in the preseason finale.

Phillips acknowledged Carpenter's play on Wednesday, saying, "He did real well in practice and made a lot of plays."

Phillips said the biggest difference for Carpenter is that he's feeling good about himself and playing with more confidence. Phillips said the coaches also have a better feel for what the 6-foot-2, 248-pound Carpenter can do.

"Just giving him an opportunity and putting him in the right place," Phillips said. "Some of it's us trying to get him where he needs to play. When you first come in, you don't know exactly where the players fit in."

After two seasons of struggle, linebacker finds a ray of hope | Dallas Cowboys | Star-Telegram.com