Wyoming’s Newest Nickelback Carrying on Turnover Tradition

LARAMIE -- Keyon Blankenbaker picked off a pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown in a home blowout over Ball State back in 2021.

Later that same season Keonte Glinton stepped in front of future NFL Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride and hauled in a Todd Centeio pass, thwarting a Colorado State scoring opportunity.

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Wrook Brown capped his Wyoming career with six interceptions from the nickelback spot, arguably none bigger than the time he cut off a Tyler Shough cross-field heave near the west sideline in the '23 opener inside War Memorial Stadium. That turnover helped spark an improbable double-overtime victory over heavily-favored Texas Tech.

Brown also ended Appalachian State's comeback bid three weeks later.

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Jay Sawvel said despite all of the accolades, Desman Hearns could be better than all three listed above.

What sets him apart?

"He's the most physical and probably has the best burst of them," Wyoming's second-year head coach said. "Keyon and Keonte weren't as physical, they were more third corner-ish and Wrook was more of a safety.

"Desman has a better combination of all of it."

Through three games, only safety Jones Thomas (207) has been on the field for more snaps than Hearns' 194. The 6-foot, 190-pound junior has the highest grade of any corner on the roster, sitting at 71.8 overall, according to Pro Football Focus.

He's been targeted 15 times, allowing just nine catches for 54 yards. The Clearwater, Fla., product is giving up just six yards a reception. He also has an interception on his résumé.

That came in a Week-2 meeting with Northern Iowa. Following a late third-quarter fumble, Matthew Schecklman and the Panther offense were setting up shop at the Cowboys' 15-yard line. Two snaps later, the redshirt junior signal caller released a change-up between the hashes. It never reached its intended target.

"In my mind, I wanted that pass to come my way all day," Hearns said with a smile. "They didn't throw the ball to me all day. So, I was like, this one has got to be the one. I let him break inside and I had my eye on the quarterback, in my peripheral, and he threw it. I undercut it."

That was his fourth-career interception. The three prior came during a two-year stint at Southern Illinois, one in which Hearns was named a 2023 FCS Freshman All-American.

Hearns created another takeaway last Saturday night, too.

That one also followed a fumble from his own quarterback Kaden Anderson. That one also kept points off the board.

Utah wideout Nate Johnson took the jet-sweep handoff and patiently followed his blockers through a gaping hole around the left side. Hearns, who was engaged with the tight end, also bided his time, waiting for Johnson to get closer before latching on and forcing the ball loose near Wyoming's 10-yard line.

Safety Andrew Johnson pounced on the loose change inside the five with 2:02 remaining in the half.

"I saw the opportunity and went in for the strip," Hearns added.

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Though he wants to keep that turnover margin growing for the Cowboys, Hearns is especially proud of one number next to his name right now: 13. That's how many tackles he's been credited with, so far, and 10 are of the solo variety.

Told you he loved to hit.

"I take pride in that," Hearns added, that grin again creasing his face.

Sawvel said recruiting the nickel spot in Laramie is on the same plane as wooing middle linebackers. It's a challenging role, but one that has led to plenty of playmaking opportunities.

The proof is in the pudding.

"It means a lot that the coaches have that much trust in me, having me just going out there and playing every week," Hearns said. "Shout out to my coaches for helping me prepare every week to put myself in positions to be the best I can be."