Pokes’ Offense Ahead of New-Look Defense … For Now

LARAMIE -- Irritated? You could say that.

Aaron Bohl isn't used to playing catch up. His defense is typically stacked with veterans. The terminology is second nature. So are expectations.

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That isn't the case this spring.

"No doubt, it is driving me absolutely nuts," the second-year coordinator admitted. "We'll get them corrected."

If that unit doesn't come together soon, conditioning won't be an issue.

Quarterback Landon Sims capped a long, late drive in the dying seconds of a two-minute drill to end practice Tuesday in Laramie. There was a long connection between Kaden Anderson and tight end John Michael Gyllenborg. Evan Svoboda, who is also lining up at that spot, hauled in a 15-yard strike, too.

The offense essentially did whatever it wanted on that balanced possession.

When that happens, the defense runs sprints.

"The best teams are the ones that have a chip on the shoulder and the ones that constantly just feel pressure," Bohl continued. "The margins of winning and losing, they're never that much. If you have guys that every day feel like they're being pressed and pushed, you're going to be in good shape.

"We got good players on the offense that's going to give us some good looks. It's good to have a fire under these people."

Four of Wyoming's losses last year were by a combined 13 points.

That included a pair of 17-13 setbacks against its two opponents from the state of Idaho. There was a three-point loss to San Diego State. Tanner Cragun drilled a 40-yard field goal at the buzzer to lift Utah State to a 27-25 victory back in late October.

All of those close calls came inside War Memorial Stadium.

The year prior, the luck was on the side of the Cowboys, who pulled off a double-overtime stunner over visiting Texas Tech. A blocked field goal late in the fourth quarter that was returned for a touchdown, gave this team its most-improbable win of the 2023 campaign. Appalachian State was on the losing side that night.

There were also narrow victories over No. 24 Fresno State and Border War rival Colorado State.

Those close calls also came at 7,220 feet.

Remember what Bohl said about margins?

Those habits, the winning kind, he added, are being developed this spring. Violence is the marching order. Physicality is a must.

It's also a fresh start. Wyoming added 17 transfers this winter, 11 are on the defensive side of the ball.

There's a reason for the rebuild.

Both starting safeties, Isaac White and Wyett Ekeler, exhausted their eligibility. So did both linebackers, Shae Suiaunoa and Connor Shay. Defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole and edge rusher DeVonne Harris graduated, too.

The transfer portal has also done a number on that unit.

Defensive ends Ethan Day (North Texas) and Braden Siders (West Virginia) are gone. So is nickel Wrook Brown and cornerbacks Naz Hill (Southern Illinois) and Tyrecus Davis. Jaden Williams now mans the nose guard spot at Kentucky.

The Cowboy offense, on the other hand, brings back a wealth of experience, including at the most important spot. Anderson started three games under center toward the end of the season and is the presumptive starter this fall.

Gyllenborg is back. So are wide receivers like Chris Durr Jr. and Jaylen Sargent.

Maybe the most important element, the offensive line, returns three multi-year starters: Jack Walsh, Caden Barnett and Wes King.

In other words, no one is shocked that early in camp that group is excelling.

"In typical fashion, you would say that's normally not the case," said Jay Sawvel, who was the team's defensive coordinator for four seasons prior to being named the head coach in 2024. "In this fashion, it should be the case. Even though there's some things that we've added and changed and all that, their terminology carries right through. You have a lot of returning players, starting with quarterback."

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Jaden DaCosta and running back Terron Kellman had a vicious meeting in the hole Tuesday during an inside-run period. The two transfers cracked pads and eventually wrestled to the ground.

That would've typically drawn praise. In this instance, it instead drew the ire of the head coach, who publicly -- and emphatically -- chastised the safety from Portland State.

That collision is warranted in a game, but not when it comes to teammates.

DaCosta is one of four new safeties on this roster, joining Justin Taylor (Wisconsin), Brooklyn Cheek (Cal) and Desman Hearns (Southern Illinois). This staff also added three new edge rushers in Dawan Martin (Youngstown State), Brayden Wilson (Weber State) and Esaia Bogar (Riverside City College).

Senior linebackers Ethan Stuhlsatz (Lindenwood) and Brayden Johnson (Oklahoma Baptist) are also in the mix for starting roles.

Kellman, all 208 pounds of him, was also involved in the hit of the day in last Saturday's practice. He blew through the line of scrimmage and stunned Aneesh Vyas, a 300-plus pound tackle, who spent the last four years at Bucknell.

Despite the late touchdown, Sawvel said Tuesday's practice was a stellar one, especially on the heels of what he called arguably the best sessions he's witnessed since arriving on campus back in 2020.

Bohl said by next week he expects his unit to be flashing, playing fast without thinking quite so much.

The daily task is developing an identity again. Culture has been the backbone of this program, one his father, Craig Bohl, took 10 years to build.

Three factors will be the focus this offseason: eliminate explosive plays, Utilize hands, physicality on blocks and, last but not least, "great effort" on every play, is the key.

"We do that, we'll probably be just fine," he added.

Sawvel echoed those sentiments.

"Defensively, there's a lot of new," he said. "That's why we have to rely on physicality and that type of stuff. Look, we'll be alright. It's also a building process on that side of the ball, because, you know, you have a lot of guys who are hearing a foreign language for the first time. So, I'm encouraged by a lot of things."

The Cowboys will hit the practice field in Laramie again this Thursday before holding another open workout, which Sawvel has coined "Super Combat Saturday."

If you thought the pad popping was impressive last weekend, he said, you haven't seen anything yet.

Practice is slated to begin at 9:15 a.m. A free youth clinic, ages 6-12, will follow. The event is free. Sign up right HERE.

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