Can Any Jobs Be Won or Lost in Wyoming’s Fall Camp?

LAS VEGAS -- Can any jobs be won or lost this fall?

It's a possibility.

Craig Bohl released his first depth chart of the 2023 season this week at the Mountain West's annual media days in Las Vegas.

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Any surprises? Not really. Wyoming's head coach did say Thursday there could be a few position battles, though.

"Corner is a position," Bohl said. "Certainly wide receiver."

Deron Harrell and Jakorey Hawkins, for now, are listed as the starting cornerbacks. Sophomore Kolbey Taylor, who was arguably the unofficial MVP of spring camp, Bohl said, could be a special player in this youthful secondary.

"He's always had pretty good ability, but maybe some of the ups and downs, you know, a play didn't go right (and he would get down.) Last year, I would say it was a mixed bag -- at best," Bohl said of the Houston, Texas product. "Then something began to change in the offseason. His attitude and attention to detail. He put on some weight and then he had a really good spring. I'm not saying he's 6-foot-4, but he's pretty damn close. When you get to that kind of length, and to be able to run, that's a potential combination."

Taylor appeared in nine games in 2022 and made just one start. That came in the Arizona Bowl. It was short-lived. On Ohio's opening possession, Taylor was flagged for targeting and ejected. He finished the season with just three tackles.

"I know what great corners look like," Bohl continued. "He's got that makeup. Now, we just have to see him be consistent."

Tyrecus Davis, a 5-foot-10, 181-pound transfer from Navarro College, is listed as a back-up and could also challenge for a starting spot.

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The wide receiver spot isn't so cut and dried.

Alex Brown, Wyatt Wieland and Ryan Marquez sit atop the depth chart, but others are beginning to emerge. Jaylen Sargent and Caleb Merritt are two of those guys. So is Big Horn's Will Pelissier.

There's also incoming transfers Ayir Asante (Holy Cross) and Devin Boddie Jr. (Vanderbilt), who were not here in the spring. Bohl said they are currently learning the offense in an attempt to play catchup.

"They've had a chance to go through our workouts," he said. "They've done some throwing and meetings and things of that nature. We felt like we needed more firepower, so we're pleased."

So is Andrew Peasley.

Wyoming's super senior quarterback said Wednesday the three of them have been working together every Saturday morning.

"Solid. Both of them are very good," Peasley said. "They've got some speed. I think they will be really good."

What about Gunner Gentry?

The super senior has missed the previous two seasons with significant knee injuries. Bohl said he isn't yet at 100% but he's been working out with the team. Gentry hasn't appeared in a game since 2020. He finished that pandemic-shortened season with two catches for 28 yards and his first-career touchdown.

Outside linebacker, Bohl said, could be another spot to keep an eye on. Shae Suiaunoa is coming off a 73-tackle season in his first year as a full-time starter. He also led the team in missed tackles with 21. The Houston-area native missed the spring, recovering from shoulder surgery.

Connor Shay stepped up.

"That's going to be some competition," Bohl said.

Shay appeared in all 12 games a season ago, mainly on special teams. He registered three tackles.

Wyoming will begin its fall camp Aug. 2, exactly one month before Texas Tech pays a visit to Laramie to open the 2023 campaign.

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