Junior University of Wyoming wide receiver Jaylen Sargent has worked hard leading up to the 2024 football season. In a recent interview, Sargent told us about his journey, the thrill of scoring his first collegiate touchdown, and his growing role in the Cowboys' offense.
With 5:46 remaining in the first quarter, Sargent scored his first collegiate touchdown… the result of a flea flicker trick play that stretched 70 yards last Saturday at War Memorial Stadium as the Cowboys faced the San Deigo State University Aztecs. When asked to walk through the play, Sargent explained that the team had prepared for the trick play throughout the week.
“We've been running it a lot,” Sargent said. “When a lot of teams play against us, they tend to bring their safeties into the box to help prevent the run game. We had been running the ball previously, and I was blocking down on the safeties. When the play was called, I knew it was going to go for a lot of yards or a touchdown. I just feel like the O-line executed their jobs perfectly, and Evan [Svoboda] was able to deliver me a really good pass.”
…A really good pass, to a wide open Jaylen Sargent!
For Sargent, the moment he saw the ball in the air was electric. “Once I saw that ball in the air and it was in my hands, I just had to get into the box.”
After scoring that elusive first touchdown, the emotions hit him hard. “It was funny,” Sargent laughed. “Before every game, I always try to plan out a little celebration, but once I scored, everything went blank. I was just very excited to be with my team and make an explosive play.”
The Pokes ended up losing to SDSU by a three point margin. Even with the 1-5 start, and the recent loss, Sargent remains optimistic about the team’s growth, especially in the passing game. “Every week, our passing game is getting better. We're gaining more confidence, especially with the wide receivers. We’ve got a lot of young players contributing, and for many, it’s their first time making big plays for the program.”
Sargent’s loyalty to Wyoming stems from the early connections he built with the coaching staff during the recruiting process. “Growing up in Logan, Utah, where Utah State is, I thought I would end up there. But Wyoming reached out to me first, and I really like what this program has to offer. I genuinely think these coaches care about their players and listen to us.”
Being the young guy on the roster wasn’t easy, but Sargent credits his development to veteran wide receivers like Will Pelissier and Alex Brown, who he says took him under their wing early in his career. “Will and Alex have been here my whole college career, and they’ve helped me both on and off the field. I trust them a lot, and I care about seeing them succeed.”
From catch to TD. Photos by Troy Babbitt, UW Athletics
Growing up in an athletic household, Sargent comes from a family deeply connected to sports. His father played college football at Utah State before transferring to a Division II school in Pennsylvania. His mother, originally from Tokyo, Japan, was a basketball player. “My youngest brother, Roy, is 12 years old and plays football. He’s an amazing athlete, and it’s going to be fun to watch him once he gets to high school,” Sargent shared with pride.
As a student-athlete, Sargent is majoring in American Studies while preparing for a potential career in coaching or sports analysis. “My major has helped me balance my football workload and schoolwork. I’d like to be a coach or a sports analyst after college. I want to help my younger brother and other athletes reach their goals.”
For Sargent, his focus during practice has been about taking advantage of the opportunities he’s worked for. His preparation and mindset have changed as his role on the team has grown. “This year, the details are way more serious. Especially in practice, you want a good look from the scout team because that’s going to translate into the game.”
With that elusive touchdown checked off his list, we now wait to see what else Sargent has in store for his growing career at Wyoming.
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