By Jeff Bugher
4/27/2024
We caught up with former University of Wyoming nose tackle Cole Godbout as he enters the final round of the draft. The 6-foot, 4-inch 290-pound defensive nose tackle from Hudson, Wisconsin took the time to do an interview with us.
Most memorable moment
Cole Godbout vividly recalls the most memorable moment from his football career, a game-sealing interception with 42 seconds left against Fresno State in 202. Reflecting on the significance of pick, Godbout said, "Honestly, it probably has to be 2023 when I had that game-sealing pick that was huge." For a defensive lineman, securing an interception is a rare achievement, making the moment even more special. At Wyoming, within the defensive tackle room, a friendly rivalry brewed as they vied for the first interception. "Just in our DT room at Wyoming, we always talked about who's going to get the first pick out of the group," Godbout shares. The talk sparked friendly banter with teammate Jordan Bertagnole. Recalling the play that led to the interception, Godbout describes the sequence, "I was shocked when I saw where the tip ball went." As he positioned himself to contain the quarterback, the deflection led to the game-changing interception. "I saw right above me, and I was just super excited because I knew it was my time," Cole recounts. Godbout had this for Bertagnole: "Now he's trying to get one this year. Hopefully, he does."
On Jay Sawvel taking over the reins
Cole stated that he has lots of respect for Craig Bohl, yet he is excited about the future of the program. Godbout reflected on the impact of Jay Sawvel as the newly appointed head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys. "I really think he's kind of changed the atmosphere there," Godbout remarks, signaling a newfound sense of camaraderie and motivation within the team. Recognizing Sawvel's approach as a "players' coach," Godbout highlights the coach's genuine care and investment in building personal connections with the players on a daily basis. "He really makes an effort to get to know people and really talk to people on a day-to-day basis, which is really nice," Godbout notes. Godbout’s thoughts on incorporating players' last names on the team jerseys: "I think that was huge." "If you have a great relationship with that coach, you want to play harder for that guy," Godbout affirms.
On the recruiting process and playing for Wyoming
Godbout reveals the initial doubts that lingered due to college programs' lack of early interest. Wyoming appeared during his senior year recruitment process, marking a turning point. Offensive coordinator Brent Vigen (Now the head football coach at Montana State) drove from Wyoming to Wisconsin to witness one of Godbout's wrestling matches, Godbout pinned his opponent in just 20 seconds. "Just getting to Wyoming, I could tell it was all about the culture there," Godbout reflects. One thing that really sticks with Godbout, is the overwhelming support from Wyoming's passionate fanbase, which served as a source of motivation and appreciation. "Just having the fans really accept me really meant a lot," Godbout acknowledged. Godbout told us that he saw fans displaying cutouts of his face during his first Cowboy Walk, "When you have the whole state behind you, you want to play a little harder for them," Cole said.
“I stepped into Wyoming as an 18-year-old and left as a man at 24. I'm really appreciative of everything that Wyoming has brought me in life…I wouldn't trade that time for anything.” Godbout said.
Godbout on nerves going into Saturday of the NFL Draft
As the moment of the draft and free agency comes to fruition, Godbout admits to feeling anxious, recognizing the moment as the culmination of his life's work thus far. "Everything I've been working for is really for this," Godbout reveals. With the unknown ahead. "I just really want to know what the next step is because I'm just kind of in the dark," Godbout acknowledges. One thing is for certain, Godbout will be a contributor to any team.
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