Bricen Brantley Makes Explosive Plays, Finds End Zone Twice

LARAMIE -- "He's going to be special."

Quarterback Kaden Anderson said those words above back in April after wideout Bricen Brantley high-pointed a 24-yard touchdown grab over the back of a defender in the annual spring game.

He didn't even throw the pass. Gage Brook did.

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Anderson wasn't prophetic. When the lights come on, the sophomore goes to work.

In Thursday night's open scrimmage inside War Memorial Stadium, Brantley again made an impact in the passing game, juking senior cornerback Dainsus Miller with a double move and beating him handily down the east sideline.

Back-up signal caller Landon Sims put the ball right on the money. Brantley cruised into the end zone for the 58-yard score.

"We've been working on that a lot in practice," the Houston product said, a wide grin across his face. "Once I got to the 9 (yard line) I was like, 'Oh, yeah, I got him.' I saw the ball in the air and I had to make the play."

Jay Sawvel simply shrugged.

"I love his demeanor," the second-year head coach said. "He just works. He's very fast, but he just works and works. He has an unlimited gas tank -- like, he never gets tired -- so you appreciate that when a guy can play fast for prolonged periods."

Not to mention line up -- and make an immediate difference -- at multiple positions.

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Brantley, who stands 6-foot-3, came off the edge during a punt scenario and managed to nearly take the ball directly off back-up punter Keelan Anderson's right foot. The thump that culminated was audible, despite a few hundred fans murmuring in the east stands.

He blocked. He scooped. He scored.

Admittedly, though, he may have taken off a tad early.

"I knew I had a chance to block it, I was waiting for the call," he laughed. "I might have jumped a little bit, but I got the block. It rolled up my arm and I had to take it to the crib, as well. Had to score."

He got all ball with both hands, he added. There has been an emphasis on that aspect, especially when it comes to Brantley. He joked that he was hit with a roughing-the-kicker penalty last year in camp.

Benny Boyd, the Cowboys' co-special teams coordinator, doesn't play when it comes to mistakes like that.

"I've been practicing," he said. "Obviously, it came through right there. I can't wait to make a play like that in a game."

What was more enjoyable: embarrassing a veteran defensive back and catching a long ball for a score, or putting six on the board on special teams?

"I just enjoy making plays no matter where I'm at on the field," Brantley continued. "... Whatever helps the team win, I'm loving it."

So is Sawvel, who Thursday was without receivers Jackson Holman (hamstring), Tyler Nystrom (concussion), Jaylan Bean (shoulder) and Jaylen Sargent, who was in street clothes, receiving a night off. Freshman Deion DeBlanc did play, but has been dealing with a nagging right ankle injury that was heavily taped.

Sawvel was eager to see who would step up in this public outing.

That man wears No. 82.

"He had a good night," Sawvel said. "He's had a good camp, and I think it's reasonable for us to expect positive plays out of him.

"... Big fan of Bricen. I love how he works."

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