IRVING, Texas -- Dez Bryant opened his mouth and the words tumbled forth rapidly with the force of a summer squall.

Dez Bryant has been putting in extra work on his conditioning and film study. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

For a minute. Then two. Then three.

Finally, he took a breath. Then he started talking again. Fast. Then faster.

Bryant's words told the story of a young man pregnant with expectation of stardom. The 25-year-old's words told the tale of a former first-round draft pick's transformation from part-time knucklehead into full-time star through hard work and maturity.

The words are a harbinger for a player poised to turn in the best performance we've ever seen from a Dallas Cowboys receiver. Better than the best year Bob Hayes ever had. Or Drew Pearson. More impressive than any season Michael Irvin put together. Terrell Owens, too.

Irvin set the franchise record for receptions (111) and yards (1,605) in 1995 and Owens established the team record for touchdowns in 2007 with 15. Bryant will go at least one better in all of those categories this season, which means all he needs is an additional 20 catches for 224 yards and four touchdowns added onto 2012's total.

Why will he reach those numbers?

Bryant's mental acumen is merging with his physical talent.