New Coach Key To Cowboys' 'Rocket Ship' Taking Off

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 4, 2025 7:08 AM ET

Dallas Cowboys speed merchant KaVontae Turpin has slowly developed from a one-trick pony as an All-Pro returner to becoming a key offensive piece.

Former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy called Turpin a "rocketship" with the ball in his hands, and as the seasons go by, KaVontae is being used more and more in the offense.

Whether that be as a receiver (420 yards, two touchdowns in 2024) or as a runner, Turpin has immense value, and now comes perhaps one Dallas hiring that might be the key to unlocking Turpin as a star in 2025.

Receivers coach, Junior Adams.

Adams, who has a strong focus on the fundamentals, comes to The Star with a strong pedigree of developing receivers. As he takes over from Robert Prince, Adams could be just the coach to get Turpin to the next level.

With Brian Schottenheimer getting to see Turpin for the past two seasons develop into a unique weapon under McCarthy, now with Schotty in the big chair, Turpin will no doubt get used.

But the question is how, and let's not forget he is still learning what it takes to be an NFL receiver. That's where Adams comes in.

Having a reputation for developing receivers into stars, with Rome Odunze, Cooper Kupp, and Jalen McMillan being his most notable players, Turpin - a restricted free agent who should be under contractual control via a second-round tender, as our Mike Fisher explains here - has untapped potential that many think Adams can unlock.

Yes, Turpin's power as a returner is superb, but we have seen what he can offer in the passing game, and his blazing speed is something that has to be utilized. Adams might be the right coach to bring the best out of KaVontae.

As a result, this rocketship might be cleared for takeoff in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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