Dallas Cowboys, DT Terrell McClain hope he can become team’s latest successful reclamation project

The Dallas Cowboys have shown they’re not afraid to take on a reclamation project.

Ernie Sims, George Selvie and Nick Hayden, whose careers were left for dead before being resuscitated in Dallas, can attest to that.

The latest player the Cowboys are hoping can negotiate a turnaround after a disappointing NFL experience is Terrell McLain, the defensive tackle who has hopscotched across the league  since he was drafted by Carolina in the third round in 2011.

McClain was once Selvie’s teammate at South Florida, and he watched with interest last season when the Dallas defensive end collected seven sacks and became a key contributor after he was signed off the street in July.

“I knew the potential he had,” McClain said. “He just needed that chance and that shot to show what he can do.”

With the Cowboys, McClain wants the same opportunity. Signed earlier this month to a three-year deal with the expectation that he will play the one- and three-technique positions, McClain is aiming to compete for a starting spot.

“That’s my mentality coming in,” he said.

McClain maintains that goal despite being a reserve the last two seasons during 19 games with Houston — his last stop after his career went off the rails in Carolina and couldn’t get back on track in New England.

“It was a rough go-around…trying to come back and being released and just bouncing around from team to team to find another spot to grow my roots,” he said. “It’s been a bumpy ride but it’s also been an experience for me and it humbled me.”

McClain is optimistic that he will find his way in Dallas because he will be coached by Rod Marinelli, the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. When Marinelli held the same position in Chicago, he visited with McClain at South Florida before the 2011 draft.

“I remember talking to him,” McClain said. “Very, very, very great guy. I can’t wait to be able to play for him. He’s one of the best D-line coaches out there.”

With another opportunity to prove himself, McClain is hoping to show the Cowboys’ faith in him is justified.

“It’s very valuable having a 300-pound D-tackle able to move,” he said. “That’s what every team wants on their team. My work ethic is through the roof. I am a good player, I’m a coachable player. I guess that’s why they wanted me. They want me to come in and try to make a difference.”

McClain knows he can after watching other Cowboys reclamation projects, including his college teammate, George Selvie, exceed expectations and leave their marks.