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Undrafted Rookie Safety Stuns Cowboys Camp With Jaw-Dropping Defensive Plays

While the Cowboys’ locker room has been filled with headlines — from Micah Parsons’ trade request to injuries shaking the offensive line — a quiet storm is brewing on the other side of the ball. And it’s coming from someone who didn’t even hear his name called on Draft Day.

The early days of training camp are always a battle for relevance. But in the chaos of depth chart shifts and practice intensity, one undrafted rookie safety has repeatedly made his case — not with words, but with plays that made even the veterans take notice.

During Saturday's live team drills, a deep route over the middle was perfectly timed — until a hard hit jarred the ball loose. Just two plays later, the very same safety snatched an interception intended for wideout Traeshon Holden, showing both awareness and athleticism that you don’t expect from a rookie without pedigree.

God's work': Two Cowboys UDFAs from Syracuse hoping to realize NFL dream  together | Texarkana Gazette

Originally from Camden, N.J., Alijah Clark started his college career at Rutgers before transferring to Syracuse in 2022, where he started for three seasons. At Syracuse, he tallied 183 total tackles, nine pass breakups, and multiple fumble recoveries — but questions about size and polish kept him from being drafted.

Now, he's rewriting that narrative in Oxnard.

Cowboys coaches have quietly raved about his ball skills and composure in live drills. Even Troy Pride Jr., a seasoned CB fighting for his own spot, turned to celebrate after Clark snagged that interception — a sign of respect among defenders that’s rarely given, especially to a UDFA.

Clark’s journey is far from over, but his stock is undeniably rising. With a strong performance in the Cowboys’ upcoming preseason opener against the Rams, he could turn camp hype into a roster spot — and maybe even more.

Legendary Drew Brees Praises the Performance of the Saints' Rookie RB, the Perfect Replacement for Alvin Kamara
Can you believe it? The 2025 season is turning into a nightmare for the New Orleans Saints' running back corps, with superstar Alvin Kamara suffering a severe injury to his knee and ankle right in Week 12! Kendre Miller is also out for similar reasons, leaving Saints fans in a panic: Who will save the offense? But don't worry, a "hidden gem" rookie from the 6th round of the draft has stepped into the spotlight, turning Kamara's absence into a golden opportunity to shine brilliantly – and he's even received "high-flying" praise from legendary Drew Brees! Things didn't go as planned: Kamara was expected to "revive" under head coach Kellen Moore, while Miller awaited an explosive season. But injuries struck, opening the door for this young guy – a former college star with all-time records in rushing yards and touchdowns at Kansas. Initially, he was predicted to just sit on the bench, even being a "healthy scratch" in the first few weeks of the season. But when Kamara went down, he was thrust into the lead role, and oh boy, his performance is making the entire NFL take notice! It took a few weeks to "warm up," but this rookie has improved day by day, earning trust from Moore. His career-best game? A sweet 84 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against the Buccaneers! His touches skyrocketed: 12 times against the Falcons (7 rushes, 5 receptions), 17 times against the Dolphins (14 rushes, 3 receptions), then exploding with 20 opportunities in the upset win over the Buccaneers (19 rushes, 1 reception). Not only an efficient rusher, he's also a "golden shield" in the passing game – catching 16/18 targets for 100 yards this season, and spectacular blocks that save quarterback Tyler Shough from pressure! And now, the "blockbuster" reveal: That's Devin Neal, the rookie RB who's turning the Saints into a "youth whirlwind"! The Saints' 2025 draft class is truly a "gold mine," with Neal emphasizing that through his impressive performance. With no timeline for Kamara's return, Neal will continue to be used more – which isn't a bad thing at all, as he's making the most of the opportunity that Miller never got! But the peak? Legendary Drew Brees, the icon of the Saints, has lavished praise on Neal during a Netflix broadcast! Brees emotionally shared: "Devin Neal has shown incredible consistency in his rookie season, and he's proving himself to be an important part of the Saints' future – a true talent that reminds me of the golden days!" Praise from "King" Brees not only elevates Neal but also ignites hope for Saints fans: Could this guy be the "perfect replacement" for Kamara? With his role growing larger, Neal is the shining bright spot, turning opposing defenses into a "joke" and pushing the Saints closer to the playoffs! Don't miss out – the Saints are "transforming" thanks to the new generation, and Neal is the "explosive trigger"! Follow now for the next drama in the 2025 NFL!