Magnolia, AR—Drew Cone, an All-Gulf South Conference wide receiver at Southern Arkansas University, has signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. A 6’ 3" 222-pounder with 4.38 speed and a 40-inch vertical leap will report to the Dallas Cowboys mini-camp April 27th, in Dallas, Tex.

Cone drew the attention of several NFL scouts when he played in the Snow Bowl in Fargo, N.D. back in January. Earlier this month, Cone was flown to Buffalo, New York, by the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League for a physical and tests. Eight NFL teams have been on the campus of SAU testing Cone and three teammates.

Cone received the call last night from Steve Jones, son of owner Jerry Jones, the Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys after calls from the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. He has also received a call from the New England Patriots. Cone was pleased with the offer from the Dallas Cowboys and received a good signing bonus with it.

Cone said, "I feel good about where I am going and very comfortable with the people in Dallas and I feel that this is the best chance for me to compete for a spot." It will also be closer to home for Cone who came to SAU from Van Buren, Ark.

Cone credited God for his athletic ability and said, "I could not have done this myself. It’s been His blessing." He also thanked his brother-in-law, offensive coordinator, John Bland, saying "...he has helped me tremendously throughout my career". Bland, a former Arkansas Razorback for Kenny Hatfield was the individual that convinced Cone to play football as Southern Arkansas. Cone went on to thank Southern Arkansas University for their support in helping him achieve his goals.

In his career at SAU, Cone played in 33 games with 88 catches for 1,764 yards, a 19.9 average and 21 touchdowns. In 1999, he played in nine games, had 31 receptions for 559 yards, averaged 18 yards a catch and scored seven touchdowns. He missed only one game due to a knee injury but was surprisingly back for the next week’s action.