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Minnesota Gophers Tight End Makes Cowboys Final Roster

Originally posted on Minnesota Sports Fan
By Ted Schwerzler | Last updated Aug 27, 2024 10:50 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t find a way to prioritize former Minnesota Gophers on their 53 man roster. They did bring in the GOAT for the final preseason game. That doesn’t mean other organizations didn’t find a way to keep former Gophers, and one will wear the iconic Dallas Cowboys star.

From UDFA to Dallas Cowboys roster for former Minnesota Gophers tight end

Brevyn Spann-Ford went undrafted after spending six seasons with the Minnesota Gophers. He played in four games during 2018 before racking up a total of 60 during his career. Spann-Ford’s 95 receptions with Minnesota went for a total of 1,061 yards and he found the end zone seven times. Considering the inconsistent quarterback play and running-focused attack, his tallies were notable.

#Gophers Brevyn Spann-Ford in the Cowboys final preseason game:

29 snaps
82.3 PFF grade (team-high)
3 catches
28 receiving yards

Big statement performance as he looks to make the roster.

pic.twitter.com/rQQMZdgpGK
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) August 26, 2024

With the Dallas Cowboys during the preseason, Spann-Ford hauled in five of his seven targets for 41 yards. A 17-yard reception was his longest, and he’ll look to bring a multi-faceted approach to the next level. It stands to reason that he will be available on special teams, but he could carve out an offensive role as well.

If there’s a landing spot to be excited about as an offensive playmaker, Spann-Ford has to feel like he found it with the Cowboys.

Could Minnesota Gophers tight end start for the Dallas Cowboys?

The St. Cloud, Minnesota native gets a great landing spot by making the Dallas Cowboys 53 man roster . Spann-Ford is behind only Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, and John Stephens Jr. Outside of Ferguson, the competition to rise the depth chart shouldn’t be seen as significantly stout. Ferguson was a fourth round pick in 2022 and worked as the starter last year. Dallas took Schoonmaker in the second round last year, but he logged just eight receptions as a rookie.

Bo Nix excellent ball placement on this cross-body ball to Brevyn Spann-Ford. Knows his target and let’s Brevyn use his massive frame to haul it in. pic.twitter.com/AdC6o1Xr07
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 3, 2024

Of course any UDFA will have an uphill battle ahead of them. With Brevyn Spann-Ford making the roster, he has already overcome a substantial hurdle. As he continues to settle in at professional speed, how he can differentiate himself from the group will be the next step.

Special teams will give Spann-Ford a chance to shine, but it’s up to him what he does from there.

This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.

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