NFL
By: Brock Vierra
The Wyoming football program is entering a new era after the retirement of longtime head coach Craig Bohl. Jay Sawvel, the team’s defensive coordinator was elevated into the head coaching role as the Pokes go for their fourth straight winning season. With some much change happening in Laramie, I sat down with Jeff Bugher of Pokes News (@Pokes_News) to discuss what Wyoming fans should expect in 2024.
Possessing one of the best offensive lines in football and a hard-nosed defense, expectations are high. With that being said,
Let’s Talk Wyoming
Brock: Hello Jeff, thank you for joining me. With Craig Bohl enjoying retirement, how different will the Cowboys look with Jay Sawvel at the helm?
Jeff Bugher: I really think that Jay Sawvel has further improved the culture of the team. He’s a “players coach” and can often be seen in the weight room with the guys. He has also brought back last names on the back of the uniforms. With that said, Sawvel brought in OC Jay Johnson from Michigan State, who told me that he would have a more balanced offense than Wyoming has typically seen. I would expect more passing and a faster tempo this year.
Brock: Right now the battle for best running back in the Mountain West is between Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Malik Sherrod of Fresno State. How far away is Harrison Waylee from those two in terms of talent and projected production.
Jeff Bugher: In my opinion, Harrison Waylee is one of the top-tier running backs at the conference. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in a scrimmage a few weeks ago…he had a knee scope last week and is expected to return sometime this season. I interviewed Sawvel last week at UW Media Day and he said that North Carolina Tarheel transfer DJ Jones was also in the running for the starting role. We had the chance to see what Jones can do in the spring game, and he is definitely a downhill runner.
Brock: How different will Wyoming’s defense look under Aaron Bohl compared to last season?
Jeff Bugher: The key phrase that comes to mind is: “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” The defense has always been the strong point for this Wyoming team. I interviewed Aaron Bohl several weeks ago and he told me that his goal this year is to have a more disruptive defense. I think the defense will be strong under leaders like Wyett Ekeler (brother of Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders) and Shae Suiaunoa. I wouldn’t be shocked if you see those two names on NFL rosters next year.
Brock: Wyoming brings in Jay Johnson as their new OC. He spent the past 5 seasons with Mel Tucker as OC at Colorado and Michigan State. How will he change the offense, and do you believe in Johnson as offensive play caller?
Jeff Bugher: Jay Johnson brings in a lot of experience, and he has also been mentored by some of the best coaches in college football. I had the chance to see some of the new formations at the spring game, so fans should see a fast offense and more passing. Sawvel told me this spring that whatever works is what they will go with. Johnson told me a few weeks ago that the team will adapt play-calling to the opponent they face. A more balanced offense is what Johnson will bring to this team. This is QB Evan Svoboda’s team now, and he will be starting his first official game (except for Texas last year), and he has a cannon of an arm. I have no reason not to believe in the play-calling abilities of Jay Johnson at this time.
Brock: Wyoming has a bunch of talented players along the offensive line. How good do they look and what is the plan as they enter 2024 without Frank Crum?
Jeff Bugher: I think Wyoming’s offensive line is more robust than ever. Nofoafia Tulafono (aka Fia) might be the best Center in the MWC. Add in the leadership of Jack Walsh and Caden Barnett, and you should see a stout offensive line that features lots of veteran returning players. A few players are in the mix to fill Frank Crum’s vacant spot. One name Sawvel mentioned was young gun Nate Geiger.
We want to thank Jeff for his time. Find his work at Pokesnews.com.
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