The Facts: Elliott won a national championship at Ohio State. In three years he became the school's second all-time leading rusher. In April he became the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Yet, on the first day of OTA's (organized team activities) last week at Valley Ranch, the tempo admittedly surprised him. "Just a lot faster pace," he said. "The game moves so much faster."

Diehards Line:The good news? Elliott already started to settle in by Day Two, displaying the vision and smooth swift running style that made him the Cowboys’ earliest draft selection in 25 years. There’s plenty more work for the rookie to do. Before the Cowboys put on pads at training camp in Oxnard, Calif., the upcoming OTA's and minicamp will build the foundation for the offense. Elliott figures to have a prominent role right away, but he’s also entering a veteran running back room that includes free-agent signing Alfred Morris and returning starter Darren McFadden. If he’s going to be a featured back as a rookie, “Zeke has to earn it,” running backs coach Gary Brown said. We expect him to do just that. In the meantime, expect plenty of chatter out of Cowboys headquarters directed at keeping Elliott on track.