DALLAS Cowboys future

(Oxnard, California-AP) -- The future is now for the Dallas Cowboys. <br><br>Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson couldn't be more alone. <br><br>Every time Smith and/or Woodson walk into a huddle or locker

Tuesday, August 21st 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oxnard, California-AP) -- The future is now for the Dallas Cowboys.

Emmitt Smith and Darren Woodson couldn't be more alone.

Every time Smith and/or Woodson walk into a huddle or locker room these days, there's usually some unfamiliar rookie or second-year player staring back at them.

The changes in camp at Oxnard, California, are both obvious and ominous to the only two players remaining from the Cowboys' three Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1990's.

Smith and Woodson both know last week's release of veteran quarterback Tony Banks in favor of rookie Quincy Carter has hastened the rebuilding process.

Quarterback Troy Aikman -- an Oklahoma native -- was the latest in a series of longtime teammates to leave Dallas, following Michael Irvin and Darryl Johnston into retirement in April.

Carter fumbled two snaps, threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and was generally awful in the Cowboys' 16-to-10 loss Saturday to New Orleans.

The Cowboys next Monday face Oakland in Mexico City.