Wyoming’s wide receiver unit enters the spring season with no significant concerns, despite some roster changes and departures, 7220 Sports reports.
Head coach Jay Sawvel expressed confidence in the group, noting that the team is in a much stronger position compared to previous years.
The Cowboys saw several departures in the offseason, including standout wide receiver TK King, who entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, and Justin Stevenson, who also left the program. Senior Devin Boddie Jr. had already departed earlier in the season, leaving the program before the team’s Week 6 meeting with San Diego State. Despite these losses, Sawvel emphasized that he has no concerns about the receivers heading into the spring.
“None,” Sawvel stated, reflecting his confidence in the room. “We’ve got the guys we need, and the guys we still need to add, we’ll do that. There are no regrets about revamping the receiver room after last season.”
Sawvel acknowledged that after the Idaho game in 2023, he recognized the need for change within the wide receiver unit. The team struggled offensively throughout the season, with the passing attack finishing near the bottom of the Mountain West in terms of yardage. This led to the decision to overhaul the receiver group.
While King and Stevenson found new homes at New Mexico State and Utah, respectively, Wyoming’s wide receiver room is now bolstered by returning players and fresh talent. Senior Jaylen Sargent, the team’s leading receiver in 2024, will return for his senior season. Sargent had a standout year, including a career-high 186 yards and a touchdown against New Mexico.
True freshman Chris Durr Jr., who finished his first season with 348 yards and a touchdown, is also back. The addition of transfer players, including Arizona’s Jackson Holman and Eric Richardson from Northwest Missouri State, further strengthens the group. Holman, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver, brings valuable experience and size to the position.
Another key acquisition is freshman Deion DeBlanc, a highly-touted recruit from North Shore High School in Texas. DeBlanc, known for his speed and athleticism, brings excitement to the position. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound receiver has already impressed coaches with his strength and work ethic. His speed—boasting a 4.4-second 40-yard dash—along with his previous success in high school, positions him as a potential contributor in the 2025 season.
“We’ve got some pieces and players,” Sawvel said. “We’re in a much better spot.”
In addition to Sargent, Durr, and DeBlanc, the Cowboys return other contributors such as Jaylan Bean, Tyler Nystrom, Charlie Coenen, and Bricen Brantley. New recruits Pierre “PJ” Jackson and Ke’lyn Washom will also join the competition at wide receiver.
Sawvel hinted that the Cowboys may look to add another pass catcher through the spring transfer portal window, which opens from April 16 to 25.
With spring practice scheduled to begin on March 25, Wyoming’s wide receiver group is gearing up for a fresh start, with a renewed sense of confidence heading into the 2025 season.
