Brevyn Spann-Ford and Corey Crooms, Jr., Lead Gophers Pre-season Honors
The Minnesota Gophers are gearing up for a big season, and several offensive players have received preseason honors from the media covering the Big Ten and FBS football. Minnesota enters unfamiliar territory in 2023, as the preseason recognition isn’t largely focused on the offensive line or running back. Gopher pass-catchers account for five of the eight offensive honorees, which is a sign of growth – and potential – for the passing game. Does that mean P.J. Fleck will install an air raid offense? No, not likely. It does mean that the media thinks Athan Kaliakmanis have the opportunity to spread the ball around.
Here’s a look at the Gopher Football preseason honors for the offensive players.
Brevyn Spann-Ford
Spann-Ford has received more preseason hype than any other Gopher offensive player and for good reason. The St. Cloud native had a career year with 42 receptions, 497 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. At 6’7” and 270 pounds, Spann-Ford has the elite size to match his blocking and receiving skills. Last season, he earned an 82.5 PFF run-blocking grade and an 82.1 receiving grade, ranking him second and eighth, respectively, in FBS. Spann-Ford has been named to the 2023 Mackey Preseason Watch List as the nation’s most outstanding college football tight end and one of the top 50 players in 2023.
Preseason Honors:
- 2023 Mackey Award Preseason Watch List
- Big Ten Tight End of the Year (College Football Network)
- First Team All-Big Ten (College Football Network, Pro Football Focus, Phil Steele, Sports Information Systems)
- Second Team All-Big Ten (Athlon Sports)
- No. 31 on PFF’s Top 50 Players in 2023
Corey Crooms, Jr.
Before coming to Minnesota in January 2023, Crooms spent four seasons at Western Michigan. He played in 42 games and had 115 receptions for 1,766 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last season, he had 57 catches for 814 yards and five touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-Mac honors. Crooms was named to the 2023 Biletnikoff Preseason Watch List as the nation’s most outstanding college receiver.
Preseason Honors:
- 2023 Biletnikoff Preseason Watch List
- Third Team All-Big Ten (College Football Network)
Chris Autman-Bell
Autman-Bell decided to return for his 7th season with the Gophers after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year against Colorado. Autman-Bell has played in 47 career games and is already ranked among the top Gopher pass catchers with 125 receptions, 1,970 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He wants to add to those totals but faces challenges returning from a knee injury and playing in a crowded Gopher receiving room.
Preseason Honors:
- Second Team All-Big Ten (Athlon Sports, College Football Network, Pro Football Focus)
Daniel Jackson
Jackson led all Gopher receivers last season with 557 yards and five touchdowns, despite missing the first two games due to injury. The two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree had a standout game against Michigan State, recording three receptions for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson was the most consistent receiver last season and was one of the lone bright spots from the receiving corps.
Preseason Honors:
- Second Team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)
- Fourth Team All-Big Ten (Athlon Sports)
Elijah Spencer
Spencer joined the Gophers in January after spending two seasons playing for the Charlotte 49ers. During the 2022 season, he had 57 catches for 943 yards and nine touchdowns and was named All-Conference Honorable Mention. Following his freshman year in 2021, Spencer was awarded the Conference USA Freshman of the Year and named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team. Spencer joins fellow Gopher receiver Corey Crooms on the 2023 Biletnikoff Preseason Watch List as the nation’s most outstanding college receiver.
Preseason Honors:
- Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (College Football Network)
Sean Tyler
Tyler joins the Gophers after four successful years at Western Michigan. From 2019 to 2022, he ran for 2,820 yards and scored 23 rushing touchdowns. Tyler is a strong receiving threat and caught 43 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns as a Bronco. He averaged 146.8 all-purpose yards per game last season, which ranked 11th nationally and second in the MAC. Tyler has big shoes to fill with Mohamed Ibrahim’s graduation, but Gopher fans are excited to see what he brings to the team.
Preseason Honors:
- Fourth Team All-Big Ten (Athlon Sports)
- Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (College Football Network)
Quinn Carroll
In his first season with the Gophers, Carroll made an immediate impact and started at right tackle in all 13 games. He played a pivotal role in blocking for the Gophers’ high-powered rushing offense that gained 2,698 rushing yards and scored 33 touchdowns. The Edina native will likely slide over to right guard this season and is in line for another strong year anchoring the Gophers’ offensive line.
Preseason Honors:
- First Team All-Big Ten (College Football Network)
- Second Team All-Big Ten (Athlon Sports)
- Third Team All-Big Ten (Pro Football Focus)
- Fourth Team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)
Aireontae Ersery
Ersery, one of two returning starters on the offensive line, earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by both coaches and media. Additionally, in 2021, he received the Academic All-Big Ten distinction. As a sophomore, he started at left tackle in all 13 games and contributed to a strong Gopher rushing attack.
Preseason Honors:
- Second Team All-Big Ten (Phil Steele)
- Third Team All-Big Ten (College Football Network)
There is a complete list of the pre-season honors on Minnesota’s football home page.
Photo courtesy: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
