The Wyoming Cowboys football team entered its second week of spring practice on Tuesday, marking its second full-pad session of the season, University of Wyoming Athletics reports.
The team will hold additional practices on Thursday and Saturday, with an open practice and a youth clinic scheduled for the weekend.
Head Coach Jay Sawvel expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance so far, noting the intensity and competitiveness on the field.
“I thought Saturday was one of the better practices I have seen since I have been here from a physicality and effort standpoint, and today was right there with it,” Sawvel said. “We had great competition at the end. Defensively, we will have to rely on physicality, and that is a process, but I’m encouraged by what I have seen so far. Offensively, there are some marks I want to hit, and we are blocking well and doing good things on the perimeter.”
Wyoming’s defense ended last season on a strong note, holding Boise State and Washington State—two high-powered offenses—to a combined 31 points. The Cowboys also led the nation in third-down defense, limiting opponents to a 25.9% conversion rate.
Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Aaron Bohl emphasized the importance of physicality and attacking on defense.
“Looking back at last year, I thought we turned the corner in the last two and a half weeks,” Bohl said. “Defense really comes down to attacking, getting off blocks, and using our hands. The guys know the expectation this season, and we’re going to keep emphasizing it.”
Several key returning players—including defensive end Tyce Westland, nose tackles Ben Florentine and Dante Drake, defensive tackle Jayden Williams, and cornerback Keany Parks—helped limit opponents to just 44 points over the final 10 quarters of last season.
To bolster the defensive unit, Wyoming has brought in multiple new players this offseason, including transfers Esaia Bogar (Riverside City College), Dawan Martin (Youngstown State), Brayden Wilson (Weber State), Aneesh Vyas (Bucknell), Desman Hearns (Southern Illinois), Justin Taylor (Wisconsin), Jaden DaCosta (Portland State), and Brooklyn Cheek (Cal). Additionally, linebackers Brayden Johnson (Oklahoma Baptist) and Ethan Stuhlsatz (Lindenwood), along with cornerback BJ Inmon (Snow College), have joined the team.
The Cowboys will host an open practice on Saturday, April 5, starting at 9:15 a.m. Following the session, the team will hold a free youth clinic for kids ages 6-12 at noon. Registration is currently open for those interested in attending.
