Wyoming Football Adjusts to Key Defensive Loss Ahead of Spring Game

The University of Wyoming football team continued its spring preparations on Tuesday, holding its 13th practice in full pads with an emphasis on fundamentals across all position groups, Casper Star-Tribune reports.

However, the session was overshadowed by the news that junior cornerback Keany Parks has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Parks, a returning starter and one of the most experienced members of the Cowboys’ secondary, was notably absent from the practice field. His departure leaves a significant gap in Wyoming’s cornerback room, which now features mostly underclassmen. Head coach Jay Sawvel acknowledged the impact of the decision but expressed confidence in the program’s ability to adapt.

“It’s really hard to find right now. I mean, there’s a reason why that just happened,” Sawvel said of Parks’ move. “We’ve got some capabilities to be good. We have a lot of work to do, but we’re not going to sit here and panic.”

In Parks’ absence, the team turned to younger and less experienced players. Sophomore transfer B.J. Inmon, along with Tyrese Boss, David Leonard, and Tyson Deen, took the majority of the first- and second-team reps. True freshman Tyson Deen, in particular, has been gaining attention with his development and physical tools.

“He’s as physically talented of a corner as what we’ve had here, period, in the five years I’ve been here,” Sawvel said of Deen, who recently made an interception in live drills. “He wants to rip your throat out. I love that part about him.”

Markie Grant left practice with a leg injury, and Ian Bell returned on a limited basis from a hamstring issue. Redshirt freshman Charles Williams also entered the transfer portal, adding to the team’s current shortage at cornerback.

With limited experience at the position, Sawvel noted that the staff may look to the transfer portal to bring in reinforcements. Additionally, the team may consider shifting players from other positions, such as safety Brooklyn Cheek, to bolster depth.

Beyond cornerback drills, the team worked on other areas including wide receiver route precision, running back pass protection, and inside run plays. Linebacker Evan Eller provided a defensive highlight by intercepting a pitch and returning it for a touchdown, while running back Nico Hamilton broke a long run during the final 11-on-11 period.

Despite a slower start to practice, Sawvel was encouraged by how his players responded.

“I thought the first part of practice was a little flat, but we got everybody together and the last hour was really good,” he said.

The Cowboys are scheduled for one more practice on Thursday before concluding spring camp with Saturday’s spring game at War Memorial Stadium. The game will feature two 15-minute quarters in the first half and will serve as a critical opportunity to evaluate players in a game-like atmosphere.

Sawvel emphasized the importance of playing in front of a crowd, encouraging fans to attend the noon event.

“We need to feel it like a game day,” he said. “We have a whole football team that needs like a final exam in front of people.”