ARLINGTON -- Dez Bryant wasn't trying to be disrespectful.

The Cowboys' star receiver didn't know much about Mississippi State before Dak Prescott became the Bulldogs' star quarterback in 2013.

"This man out here from Mississippi State," Bryant said Friday night. "Who was Mississippi State [before him]? That should tell you something. I'm not knocking Mississippi State, but [expletive], it's the truth."

Bryant is an avid college football fan. He had watched Prescott on many occasions before the Cowboys drafted him in the fourth round almost four months ago.

After Dallas made the pick, Bryant immediately alerted his brother via text that the Cowboys got "a damn good player."

"It's so crazy that we drafted him," Bryant said. "I was like damn, man."

Prescott has been nearly flawless through his first two preseason games. In what equates to a little more than one full game, Prescott is 22 of 27 passing for 338 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He's also rushed for 41 yards and two touchdowns on five carries.

"He's a winner," Bryant said. "He's doing exactly what he does in practice. That's what he do. He's a pure student of the game. The guy is special. Just a hell of a football player."

Bryant pointed out several times after Friday night's 41-14 win over the Miami Dolphins that sitting behind Tony Romo will only make the rookie QB better.

Romo has come away "very impressed" by what he's seen in only two preseason games from Prescott.

"It kind of reminds me a little bit of [me] back in the day in some capacity," Romo said. "He's playing great. To have depth at that position, it's a big, big bonus, so hopefully he can continue to do that. And he's a good kid, so you really root for him."

Cowboys defenders have similar feelings. While they've seen a lot of Prescott's ability during training camp, they weren't exactly expecting this kind of start to his career.

"To see him as a rookie come in and be so successful is a little bit surprising," linebacker Sean Lee said. "The more I get to know him, there's a reason why he's been so successful. He's got that personality where he's constantly trying to learn, he's constantly trying to get better. He's got poise out there."

Former LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne watched Prescott closely when Mississippi State played his alma mater. Prescott led the Bulldogs to a 34-29 win over LSU in Baton Rouge two years ago.

It was MSU's first victory in Death Valley since 1991. Prescott threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 105 yards and another score.

"He's just that cool, calm guy that seems like nothing ever gets to him," Claiborne said. "When he's out there now, it just seems like he's out in the backyard playing.

"When he walks around the facility, he's just the same way as he is on the field."