Wyoming’s Chad Muma is officially on the clock

LARAMIE -- We don't know where or when he's going to be selected, but we do know Chad Muma will hear his name called at this weekend's NFL Draft.

That much-anticipated phone call will likely come tonight.

Easton Gibbs said this spring that it's probably safe to call Wyoming "Linebacker U." When Muma does indeed thrown on the ball cap of his new NFL team, he will become the third Cowboy linebacker to be drafted in the last three seasons, joining Logan Wilson and Cassh Maluia who were selected in 2020.

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By now, you probably know that Muma had to wait his turn. With the two guys mentioned above roaming the middle of the UW defense, playing time was hard to come by. When his number was called, though, all the Lone Tree, Colo., product did was make plays.

In just two years as a starter -- 18-and-a-half games (he got ejected for targeting against New Mexico in '20) -- Muma registered and eye-popping 200 total tackles, including 113 of the solo variety.

That's an average of nearly 11 tackles per game. Not too shabby, huh?

READ MORE ABOUT CHAD MUMA:

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* Bengals linebacker isn't shocked by Muma's rise to stardom

* Muma: 'This is his school'

* Is Chad Muma playing in Boise? You're kidding, right?

Last season, Muma added some turnovers to his already impressive resume. In consecutive weeks, the senior snagged two interceptions and returned both for touchdowns. He also picked off a pass against Border War rival Colorado State and recovered a fumble in a season-opening victory over Montana State. He also blocked a field-goal attempt in that one.

He was named an All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation, Pro Football Focus and the Associated Press after ranking third in the nation with 6.5 solo tackles per outing. He was No. 4 in total tackles in 2021 with 142.

Muma was one of just six national finalists for the Butkus Award. They hand that out to college football's top linebacker. For good measure, he also earned a semifinalist nod for the Chuck Bednarik Award. That goes to the nation's best defender.

It goes without saying, Muma also earned First Team All-Mountain West honors. That also happened the year prior.

The second round of the NFL Draft is set to begin today at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.

Where do you see Muma landing? I'm going Round 2, pick No. 64 to the Denver Broncos. That franchise needs a middle linebacker. It only makes sense to take the local kid, right? Plus, that will put him exactly one spot ahead of where Wilson landed in the '20 draft.

Hey, Wilson said he wouldn't be surprised if he goes higher. Let us know in the comments where you think Muma will go.

In the meantime, enjoy these shots of Muma's career, captured by 7220sports.com photographer DJ Johnson.