DEION ALREADY A HIT ON OFFENSE.

Byline: Denne H. Freeman Associated Press 

Deion Sanders' first day in a Dallas Cowboys training camp Thursday will be remembered as one of the most bizarre in the club's 26-year history.

``Deion, Deion, Deion,'' fans chanted after the morning practice, when Sanders made his debut as a starting wide receiver.

Sanders, who in previous years was still playing baseball at this time of year, waded into the crowd signing autographs with a big smile on his face. Frantic women shoved their children toward Sanders with bits of paper and pens.

``He's really something,'' said running back Emmitt Smith, waiting nearby in Sanders' customized black Mercedes golf cart. The deluxe wheels include ``Fulltime'' vanity license plates, a blaring stereo system and a water-spray system to cool off Sanders' sweaty face. ``I think it's great. I love watching Deion do his thing.''

Sanders, who should be accustomed to fawning fans by now, appeared a little taken aback by the reception.

``The crowd was just great,'' he said. ``This is why the Cowboys are world champions. They have fans like this. It makes you want to practice harder to please them. I really didn't expect this, though.''

Sanders drew applause with several catches as he worked with quarterback Troy Aikman on the first team. He's catching passes in the place of Michael Irvin, who is in Miami getting his personal life in order after the recent drug scandal that landed him a four-year probated sentence.

Still yet to be known is whether the NFL will suspend Irvin.

Kevin Williams worked at Irvin's position and Sanders was at flanker.

``We miss the No. 1 receiver in pro football,'' Sanders said.

Once, on a lark, Deion worked against Smith, who did a surprising job of staying with the speedy defensive back.

``I jumped in there because I wanted to show him I can play both ways, too,'' Smith said. ``I surprised him with my footwork.''

Aikman said Sanders looked good ``but still has a long way to go. It will take time, but we'll get it down. I just don't want to see him on offense full-time. He may be the best cover corner, and I know how hard it is for a quarterback to go against him. We still need him on defense, too.''

Sanders said, ``I love the challenge of being able to play both ways. One of my goals has been to play receiver. I don't have any big personal goals. I want to win for my team. I want another Super Bowl ring.''

Sanders was wearing jersey No. 2 instead of his usual No. 21.

``I wore No. 2 at Florida State and my father loved that number before he passed,'' Sanders said. ``I'll be No. 21 during the season.''

He added, ``I guess if I was playing baseball today I'd be in a dugout somewhere eating sunflower seeds.''

Instead, Sanders was battling the heat and humidity of Austin. It wasn't 10 minutes into the workout before he had to change a fresh ``Do-Rag'' for his soaked one.

``I'm gassed, man,'' Sanders said.

Smith watched from the custom leather seat in Sanders' souped-up golf cart.

``Let's see what's on the stereo,'' Smith said, pumping up the volume on a rap tune playing on the stereo. ``Oh, that must be Tupac Shakur.''

About that time, Sanders returned to the cart.

``Boy, I hope I'm not charged for the ride,'' Smith joked. ``I bet I can get by with giving him a quarter.''

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Photo

Photo: Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders is a favorite o f fans and the media after his first practice in training camp this week.

Associated Press