Cowboys Turning To Williams

If Kevin Williams were a little taller, no one would be wondering if he could replace departed free agent Alvin Harper at receiver in Dallas.

At least that’s what coach Barry Switzer believes.

“I have always been a Kevin Williams fan,” Switzer said. “I think if Kevin Williams was 3 inches taller, everybody in the world would be excited about him. But because he is a short guy, no one gets excited.”

Williams, who is 5-foot-9, forgives the doubters. After all, the 6-foot-3 Harper, who was a college high jumper, had more touchdown receptions last season (eight) than Michael Irvin (six), and his average yards per catch (24.9) surpassed all other NFL receivers.

But Harper’s a Tampa Bay Buc now and Williams, who has made plenty of big plays as a punt and kick return specialist, now must gain the confidence of quarterback Troy Aikman and the coaching staff as a consistently clutch receiver.

At least he became more sure of his job on Tuesday when owner Jerry Jones said he tentatively has decided against bringing in a free agent like Webster Slaughter, who recently was released by the Houston Oilers.

“I think Kevin Williams is the veteran and has distinguished himself in big games and has worked hard enough to be in the lead to replace Alvin,” Jones said. “But any player out here has competition.”

The competition comes primarily from Cory Fleming, who is in his second year and was drafted and cut by the San Francisco 49ers in 1994.

Fleming lacks speed - his time in the 40 is 4.88, slower than tight end Jay Novacek and fullback Daryl Johnston. But coaches like his height (6-2) and the way he runs after a catch so he’s in the picture.