Rico Gathers said when he's in a film session, he's studying every move Jason Witten makes.

That includes when the 10-time Pro Bowler writes something down.

"When I see him jotting down a note, I'm like, 'OK, well I got to jot down that note down, too.' That's just the relationship that we have," Gathers said. "I look forward to many more conversations and many more life lessons that he has to offer."

After spending his rookie year on the practice squad, Gathers is hoping some of the tips he's picked up from Witten will not only help him make the active roster, but contribute in his second season.

"He's the model for the Cowboys," Gathers said. "Iron Man, that's what they call him, right? I just look up to him. Every time I look at our film I'm looking at him mostly, just dissecting his every move and stuff like that.

"When you got an ideal model of what you want to be like right in your same locker room, you just try to pick apart everything that he does."

What does Witten think about the Gathers he sees today compared to the one 365 days ago?

"Rico has made some unbelievable strides," Witten said Sunday during his annual youth football camp. "Think about the challenge of coming in last year and not playing football since eighth grade. Physically, he's got all the traits. He's big. He's strong. He's athletic. He's rangy. He can catch. He's really improved with the concepts of our offense and what the responsibilities are. So, I told him and will continue to tell him to dive into that process.

"The process is talked about a lot over [at The Star]. But I think for all of us, especially young players, just dive into that. And the results will come that you want. But you just have to stay after it, and especially at tight end because there's a lot of demands on that position in this offense. I think he's getting more comfortable with that and I hope he continues to have a good off-season."