Wyoming Linebacker Evan Eller Embracing New Role After Unexpected Redshirt Year

University of Wyoming linebacker Evan Eller didn’t initially plan on spending two seasons in Laramie, Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports.

After transferring from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) as a graduate student, Eller expected the 2024 season to be his final chapter in college football. But after four games, his plans took a turn.

Eller, who began the season contributing primarily on special teams, was informed by head coach Jay Sawvel that he would be redshirting. While the decision was unexpected, it gave Eller an additional year of eligibility and valuable time to adjust to playing full-time at linebacker — a position he was still learning after spending most of his VMI career at rover safety.

“Once I saw how the first four games were going, I just saw an opportunity and felt like this was what was best for me,” Eller said. “That just wasn’t how I really viewed my senior year going, and I just knew I could contribute to the program more than that.”

Eller took the situation in stride. Instead of entering the transfer portal, he opted to stay in Laramie and focus on growing into his new role. That decision appears to be paying off. With both of Wyoming’s starting linebackers from last season — Shae Suiaunoa and Connor Shay — having graduated, Eller now has a chance to compete for a prominent spot on the Cowboys’ defense.

“He has a much better understanding of playing linebacker, which is a good thing,” Sawvel said. “That’s the reason we redshirted him last year … he wasn’t going to be as good as what we thought he could be.”

Eller, now more comfortable at his position and physically improved, has made several key plays during spring practices. He’s up to 230 pounds and feels better prepared to compete than he did a year ago.

The former VMI standout appeared in 40 games at the FCS level, compiling 235 tackles. In 2023, he ranked 16th nationally in total tackles and earned All-Southern Conference recognition. While his statistical production was never in question, the transition to a new defensive scheme and position required time — time the redshirt year ultimately provided.

“I still have that confidence knowing I can excel at this level and compete at this level,” Eller said. “I enjoyed my time with the guys, and I didn’t want to restart again somewhere else. I just want to earn a spot and contribute to the program as best as I can.”

Eller also hopes to step into a leadership role as one of the more experienced players on the roster heading into his sixth season of college football. Whether he wins a starting job or not, he plans to lead by example.

“This is a great opportunity for me to lead and to take some of the younger guys under my wing so we can develop as a group,” he said. “I’m super motivated for this season, because I understand that last season was a letdown.”

While his first season in Laramie didn’t go as he envisioned, Eller now views the redshirt year as a blessing.

“I started to understand just to be patient and take advantage of my next opportunity,” he said. “It’s been a blessing. I love Laramie. I know some people don’t like it, but I’ve really enjoyed it out here, for sure.”