Cowboys not likely to sign Rolovich
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Former University of Hawai'i quarterback Nick Rolovich said he does not expect to receive a free-agent contract from the Dallas Cowboys.
Rolovich was invited to compete in the Cowboys' mini camp at their Happy Valley training facility this weekend.
"It probably wasn't my best performance," Rolovich said. "I know that."
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Rolovich, who set several school passing records last season, said he will know for sure today whether he will be invited to the Cowboys' next workout. But based on his own assessment, Rolovich said, "I don't think they're going to sign me."
If he does not secure a deal with the Cowboys, Rolovich said, there is a possibility he might receive a tryout with either the Kansas City Chiefs or Denver Broncos.
"We'll see what happens," he said.
Rolovich knew he faced an uphill battle soon after arriving at the mini camp. While most National Football League teams have separate camps for rookies and veterans, the Cowboys conducted a combined camp. There were four other quarterbacks in camp, including last year's starter, Quincy Carter, and recently signed Chad Hutchinson.
"I was at the end there," Rolovich said.
With the Cowboys investing only a roundtrip ticket and three days of room and board, "I knew I had to open some eyes," Rolovich said. "I had to do things to be noticed, and it didn't seem like I really did that."
But Rolovich added: "It was a really good experience. I have to learn from it, and maybe I can use it for my next opportunity."
Meanwhile, Rolovich's former roommate, center Brian Smith, played well at the Baltimore Ravens' camp.
Also, offensive lineman Manly Kanoa III was invited to return to the Atlanta Falcons' next mini camp. Kanoa said the Falcons' camp was "more of an orientation. It was a chance to meet the coaches and learn the system."
Kanoa had signed a two-year free-agent contract last week. He received a small bonus, which he is allowed to keep, even if he does not make the team.
