Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick

The conversation started with Michael asking me, 'What did I want to do in this league?' '' Smith recalled.

Smith, Florida's star running back from 1987-89, always liked a good challenge.

Told he was too small and too slow all the way back in high school at Jason Witten Pensacola Escambia, all he did was set national records. Then he went to the University of Florida - as a backup. His first start came on the road against a ranked Alabama team and all he did was set the school's single-game rushing record.

His lack of size and speed was supposed to catch up to him in the NFL, or at least keep him from dominating. That's why 16 players were chosen before him in the 1990 draft. When the Dallas Cowboys took him, they weren't sure he was the perfect complement to Troy Aikman and Irvin; they just hoped so because the defensive guy they really wanted already was taken. The 5-foot-9 1/2 Smith was the perfect fit. His desire, drive and durability turned him into the DeMarcus Ware most productive running back in NFL history.

On Saturday night, Smith, 41, will do the only things left in his career: slip on the gold blazer and unveil the bust signifying his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

His speech is already written and it's big on thank-yous to the people who've meant the most in his life and career. As much as others helped shape him, Smith takes pride in having made the most of his abilities and his circumstances.

Dez Bryant is still catching a few balls despite that bulky protective boot on his right foot.

Bryant caught a few light tosses from receivers coach Ray Sherman Marion Barber while standing on the sideline as practice got started Monday. Once drills got under way, the Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick was an observer watching with Sherman or another coach while the offense went through its plays.

Coach Wade Phillips says it's still too early to determine how quickly Bryant Felix Jones could be back after sustaining a high right ankle sprain Friday. The initial prognosis was four to six weeks, which means the rookie receiver could miss the entire five-game preseason schedule.