Anna 
The Wyoming Cowboys continued their spring drills on Tuesday afternoon, marking the second day in full pads. The team first suited up in full gear last Saturday. This week, Wyoming is set to practice again on Thursday, and another open practice will take place on Saturday, followed by a Youth Clinic.
Coach Jay Sawvel’s Impressions
Head Coach Jay Sawvel was pleased with the team’s performance. He described Saturday’s practice as one of the best he’s seen since joining Wyoming, especially in terms of physicality and effort. “I thought today was right there with it,” he said. “We had great competition at the end. Defensively, we will have to rely on physicality, and that’s a process, but I’m encouraged by what I’ve seen so far. Offensively, there are some marks I want to hit, but we’re blocking well and doing well on the perimeter.”
Focus on the Cowboy Defense
Wyoming’s defense finished last season strong, holding two of the nation’s top offenses—Boise State and Washington State—to a combined 31 points. The Cowboys also led the nation in third-down defense, limiting opponents to just 25.9%.
Defensive coordinator and linebacker coach Aaron Bohl believes the defense turned a corner in the final weeks of last season. “It got down to just attacking,” Bohl said. “Defense really comes down to getting off blocks and using our hands. The guys know the expectation this season, and we’re going to keep emphasizing it.”
Key players such as defensive end Tyce Westland, nose tackles Ben Florentine and Dante Drake, defensive tackle Jayden Williams, and cornerback Keany Parks played a crucial role in the defense that allowed just 44 points over the final 10 quarters of last season.
New Additions to the Defense
This offseason, Wyoming added several new players to strengthen its defense. Transfers Esaia Bogar (Riverside City College), Dawan Martin (Youngstown State), and Brayden Wilson (Weber State), along with defensive tackle Aneesh Vyas (Bucknell), are among the new faces. In addition, safeties Desman Hearns (Southern Illinois), Justin Taylor (Wisconsin), Jaden DaCosta (Portland State), and Brooklyn Cheek (Cal) have joined the team. Wyoming also added Brayden Johnson (Oklahoma Baptist), a 6-foot-3, 245-pound linebacker, and Ethan Stuhlsatz (Lindenwood), a 6-4, 241-pound linebacker, as well as cornerback BJ Inmon (Snow College).
Youth Clinic and Open Practice on April 5
Wyoming will host a Youth Clinic following the open practice on April 5. The clinic, which is free and open to kids ages 6-12, will start at noon. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as the practice begins at 9:15 a.m. Registration for the clinic is currently open, and attendees can sign up by visiting the provided link.
Related topics: