[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Thursday, December 18, 1997

LaFleur finally shows he can catch

By DENNE H. FREEMAN / AP Sports Writer

IRVING, Texas (AP) -- If there ever was a forgotten Cowboy, it was rookie tight end David LaFleur.

A much-heralded first round draft pick, wearing the official stamp of approval from quarterback Troy Aikman, the 6-foot-7, 280 pound former LSU star was expected to be just what the doctor ordered for Dallas' sickly offense.

Without Jay Novacek, the Cowboys offense was 24th in the NFL in 1996. Finding a solid blocking, pass catching tight end was a big offseason priority for coach Barry Switzer.

In training camp, Aikman spoke glowingly of LaFleur, whom he had personally worked out while the Cowboys were trying to decide their draft order last April.

"Great hands," Aikman said of the workout. "He's a big guy who can move."

But once the regular season started, Aikman went elsewhere with his passes. Eric Bjornson, not a good blocker, got most of Aikman's attention at the tight end position.

LaFleur blocked and blocked and blocked.

Then Bjornson got hurt and in the 17th game of the season, LaFleur caught three passes, two of them for touchdowns, in a loss to Cincinnati.

They were the first touchdown passes caught by a tight end all season in the Cowboys sputtering offense, ranked 19th in the NFL with a game left to play against the New York Giants on Sunday in Texas Stadium.

"I hope I opened a few eyes," said LaFleur.

He certainly did on a diving catch in the end zone for one of the touchdowns.

"That was a heck of a play," said quarterback Troy Aikman. "I think everyone agrees that David did a great job as a blocker. And I think he has grown as receiver. I think he will make a tremendous improvement when he goes to his second training camp. I think he can make a major contribution to this team next year."

LaFleur reacted calmly to his first NFL touchdown passes. There was no dancing. No spiking of the football.

"I didn't know how to react," he said. "It took me by surprise. "

LaFleur could be a surprise for the Cowboys one year late.

"He looks like he could be the complete tight end," Switzer said. "He's already shown he can be a good blocker in this league. Now, he shows he has the hands."

Scouting director Larry Lacewell said "the first year is a learning experience for rookies, particularly in the offensive line. He's blocked very well and now we need to exploit his offensive talents. It's going to be fun to see what he can do next year."

LaFleur is expected to be one of Aikman's prime targets in Sunday's meaningless regular season finale against the Giants.

"David is getting a chance because Bjornson got hurt and it looks like he's making the most of it," Aikman said.