IRVING, Texas -- Rookies and selected veterans had their last chance to impress Saturday as the minicamp came to an end, and here are some lasting impressions from both practices:

** Each year it seems the focus of the Cowboys’ defense is to create more turnovers and it has not happened nearly enough. If possible, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is even more committed to the cause. He was constantly reminding the defense to force a fumble or pick off a pass. He got his wish on the first play of team run in the afternoon when Darrell Scott put the ball on the ground on a run up the middle.

** Rookie free-agent linebacker Adrian Hamilton, a Dallas Carter grad, opened up a lot of eyes. He had a would-be sack coming off the edge and then pressured quarterback Nathan Dick into running to his right before throwing the ball away. In the morning practice, he also displayed the ability to drop in coverage to get in the throwing lane on a slant to Cole Beasley for a deflection.

** Wide receiver Saalim Hakim had a rough afternoon, dropping two passes in on-air drills. In the morning, Hakim was slow to get up after he was pushed in the air by cornerback Isaac Madison. The referees called pass interference on the play.

** North Texas running back Lance Dunbar and Scott showed some quick feet without many holes to get through. Dunbar’s quick change of direction hurt a defense that overpursued on a run to the right, while Scott used a spin move to create space on his best run of camp.

** Rookie free-agent tackle Jeff Adams struggled with Tyrone Crawford’s power on a pass rush, allowing the third-round pick to push him back in the pocket. But on the next play, Adams got his hands on Crawford first and was able to hold his ground.

** Wide receiver David Little, who was in camp on a tryout basis, made a nice adjustment on a deep pass from Dick down the sideline, turning his body in mid-air to come down with a throw to his outside shoulder.

** Secondary coach Jerome Henderson is going to be fun to watch. He is active at practice and instructive. At one point, he told the secondary that they never should catch a ball with their pinkies together. He wants them to catch the ball with their thumbs together because that means they are getting the ball at the highest point and not allowing the wide receiver to make a play on the ball.

** Wide receiver Donavon Kemp (hamstring) and tight end Andrew Szczerba did not practice Saturday.