FRISCO, Texas —In the spring, Brevyn Spann-Ford was a high-priority undrafted free agent the Dallas Cowboys felt they desperately wanted to add to their roster, and the size of his UDFA contract reflected that feeling. As the seasons turn to winter, the former Golden Gopher is beginning to show everyone why.
"The game is slowing down for me, pre-snap-wise, in being able to identify things pre-snap and communicating with the quarterback," said the 24-year-old. "I'm seeing the defense all-in-one instead of nitpicking one thing I'm seeing pre-snap. I'm seeing the whole picture and it's starting to slow down for me."
With Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson sidelined the last two games due to a concussion, Spann-Ford has joined former second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker in helping backup quarterback Cooper Rush settle in to get the Cowboys' offense moving in the right direction — having lost All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury.
He's not only delivered great blocking, but his hands have been exceedingly dependable when targeted, catching six of his eight targets over the last two outings, averaging more than a first down per catch and bringing a fiery demeanor reminiscent of Ferguson's.
"A big thing in our room is whoever is on the field, the product has to stay the same or improve," Spann-Ford said. "That was a big thing for me and Luke — making sure there's no doubt in the coaching staff when Ferg's out. We're just picking up where he left off and the standard that he's set for the room."
They've been doing exactly that, Spann-Ford taking advantage of every opportunity for a Cowboys' offense that also lost promising young tight end John Stephens. Jr. to a torn ACL for the second time in as many seasons.
The drive to thrive begins in the meeting rooms for Spann-Ford, spills over onto the practice field and, as of late, carries over right into game days.
"It's a lot of the same rules," he said of the collective learning process in Dallas and under talented tight ends coach Lunda Wells. "Our offensive coaching staff does a great job of learning us, and we're all learning the same things the same way. We're working in unison. It was a little different at first, obviously, because you're used to [Dak Prescott] back there, but Coop's done a hell of a job preparing with us in the meetings.
"I love both of those guys."
It's currently unclear if Ferguson will be able to clear concussion protocol to take the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football, but if he isn't, the Cowboys are seeing they are in solid hands with Schoonmaker and Spann-Ford.
And when Ferguson does return, they can enjoy the fact they have a three-headed attack at tight end going forward into the remainder of this season and beyond.
