The Dallas Cowboys’ best offensive lineman is working hard this off-season to get even better.
Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith gets to the Cowboys’ practice facility in Valley Ranch at about 6:30 a.m. to workout before he attends “teaching sessions” with coaches. Smith is entering his third season in the NFL and his second consecutive at left tackle after starting his rookie year at right tackle.
Smith said there’s more of a comfort level now under second-year offensive line coach Bill Callahan, and the offensive linemen have used the position meetings to review and improve this off-season instead of adapting to a new style.
“We’re steps ahead of where we were last year,” Smith said. “We can make a huge step forward.”
Following in the footsteps of two former Cowboys Pro Football Hall of Fame players – linebacker Randy White and offensive lineman Larry Allen – Smith started individual karate lessons about two months ago and trains two to three times a week.
“They did karate to get their hands quicker and smoother,” Smith said. “It’s more about hand-eye coordination. Right now, I’m trying to get our offensive line into it.”
Smith said three other Cowboys offensive linemen are also taking individual karate lessons this off-season: guards Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau and his good friend, tackle Jermey Parnell.
Like last year, Smith also attends yoga once a week in the off-season to help him with his flexibility, balance and hip movement.
Smith said he didn’t get comfortable playing left tackle until about midway through last season. That was evident from nine of his 11 penalties coming in the first eight games.
Smith said he plans to gain 10 pounds this off-season so he can play at 315.
“I just want to be a better run-blocker and be stronger and more physical,” Smith said. “There were times last year where I felt like I was too fast and I was a little off-balanced. I just basically want to add a little weight and stay there, be fast and strong at the same time.”
Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith gets to the Cowboys’ practice facility in Valley Ranch at about 6:30 a.m. to workout before he attends “teaching sessions” with coaches. Smith is entering his third season in the NFL and his second consecutive at left tackle after starting his rookie year at right tackle.
Smith said there’s more of a comfort level now under second-year offensive line coach Bill Callahan, and the offensive linemen have used the position meetings to review and improve this off-season instead of adapting to a new style.
“We’re steps ahead of where we were last year,” Smith said. “We can make a huge step forward.”
Following in the footsteps of two former Cowboys Pro Football Hall of Fame players – linebacker Randy White and offensive lineman Larry Allen – Smith started individual karate lessons about two months ago and trains two to three times a week.
“They did karate to get their hands quicker and smoother,” Smith said. “It’s more about hand-eye coordination. Right now, I’m trying to get our offensive line into it.”
Smith said three other Cowboys offensive linemen are also taking individual karate lessons this off-season: guards Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau and his good friend, tackle Jermey Parnell.
Like last year, Smith also attends yoga once a week in the off-season to help him with his flexibility, balance and hip movement.
Smith said he didn’t get comfortable playing left tackle until about midway through last season. That was evident from nine of his 11 penalties coming in the first eight games.
Smith said he plans to gain 10 pounds this off-season so he can play at 315.
“I just want to be a better run-blocker and be stronger and more physical,” Smith said. “There were times last year where I felt like I was too fast and I was a little off-balanced. I just basically want to add a little weight and stay there, be fast and strong at the same time.”
