Wyoming’s Sabastian Harsh Hitting Open Market in Final Season

LAS VEGAS, Nev., -- Just as you were digesting the news that running back Harrison Waylee would be leaving Wyoming, another familiar face and former starter also announced he would be hitting the dusty trail.

Edge rusher Sabastian Harsh made it known he too will be entering the NCAA Transfer Portal with just one season of eligibility remaining.

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The former walk-on spent the previous four years in Laramie after a decorated career at Scottsbluff High School in Nebraska.

"I had a lot of things to consider and it seemed like the right move in my life right now," Harsh told 7220sports.com on Thursday night. "I’ll always have love and appreciation for everyone here and what they’ve given me."

Harsh tallied 40 tackles last fall, including 25 of the solo variety. He also registered 1.5 sacks while appearing in just eight games.

Injuries were a theme during Harsh's tenure on the high plains.

A knee ailment he sustained in a Week 9 meeting in Albuquerque sidelined him over the final three games. It also cost him a home meeting with Utah State.

Harsh also missed the entire 2022 campaign after sustaining a gruesome injury just days before the season opener at Illinois. He suffered a broken left knee cap, his patella splitting wide, horizontally.

Up to that point Harsh had been the talk of fall camp, former head coach Craig Bohl mentioning his name in nearly every press conference. He raved about his motor, high football IQ and the way he would blow around the corner, beating offensive tackles in practice with his 6-foot-3, 251-pound frame.

The news wasn't easy for the boss to swallow.

"Sabastian is going to be gone for the year, unfortunately," Bohl said in late August. "(He's) not only a great young man, but a really good player."

The physical pain, Harsh said, was nearly immediate. Emotionally, it took time to fully digest what had transpired.

"You can't put it into words," he said, covering his mouth before an extended pause. "Even now I'm getting emotional talking about it. I put in so much work, and in one play -- done."

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Harsh was in the lineup against Texas Tech the following September, capping the night with four tackles and a pass breakup in the 35-33 double-overtime thriller.

"I was just feeling so blessed. Like, even just the run out and all that stuff," Harsh said. "I was like, 'Holy cow, I'm finally here.'"

The defensive end went on to rack up a career-high 50 tackles and three sacks that fall. He rolled up eight tackles against Air Force. He got to Nevada quarterback Brendon Lewis twice in a 42-6 rout in the season finale.

Arguably the biggest play of his season came in the Arizona Bowl when he stuffed Toledo signal caller Tucker Gleason for a 3-yard loss with just 4:50 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The 3rd-and-9 snap came from Wyoming's 37-yard line. A gain on the play and the Rockets are likely lining up for a field goal to potentially extend their lead to five. Instead, the punt team trotted onto the field.

The Cowboys offense took care of the rest, marching 87 yards on 12 plays. Placekicker John Hoyland booted through a 24-yard chip shot at the buzzer to secure the 16-15 victory.

"It was definitely an awesome moment, for sure," Harsh said last April, his trademark grin beaming. "Just being able to impact the game was definitely super cool."

Sawvel and Co. loaded up at the defensive end spot this offseason, bringing in transfers Esaia Bogar (Riverside City College), Dawan Martin (Youngstown State) and Brayden Wilson (Weber State). Rookie Axel Ramazani (Des Moines, Iowa), who also happens to be Waylee's cousin, is also already on campus but is injured and has not been taking part in winter workouts.

Other true freshmen Jason Handy (Cedar Park, Texas) and Cade Brook (Aurora, Colo.) will be here this summer.

Spring practice in Laramie is slated to begin March 25. The annual Brown and Gold Game is set for April 26 inside War Memorial Stadium.

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