By Jeff Bugher
7/28/2024
New University of Wyoming head football coach Jay Sawvel is set to start his first fall camp on Wednesday. We asked Sawvel who his biggest surprises were coming out of spring camp, and he was quick to name several players during the press conference.
Chris Durr Jr.
The biggest surprise Sawvel mentioned was true freshman wide receiver Chris Durr Jr.. "Chris Durr Jr. did because I had no expectations," Sawvel remarked. Durr, standing at 5’10” from Chicago, Illinois, is a three-star recruit as ranked by 247sports.com. Wyoming might have to rely on Chris this year, depending on how things go…especially given the loss of WRs Wyatt Wieland, Ryan Marquez, and Ayir Asante.
D.J. Jones
Sawvel also brought up the impact of graduate transfer running back DJ Jones (5’11”, Fayetteville, North Carolina), a mature player who has seamlessly integrated into the team. "I had no idea what we were getting with DJ Jones. I knew we were getting a mature player who had played games, and I realized he was as good as what he is and as good a person as what he is," Sawvel shared. Let’s just say that Jay Sawvell is very thankful that D.J. Jones is here: "I thank him almost every day. I also tell him that I love having him here, and he has a great attitude." Jones was explosive during the spring game, rushing for 77 yards and a touchdown. Jones transferred to Wyoming after playing four seasons at North Carolina. Jones was a running back for the Tarheels for his first three seasons, then he switched to the defensive back position last season. We asked DJ if he surprised himself during spring camp and the spring game... he said he wasn’t surprised, as he knew he could do the work and have the output that he did.
Tyrecus Davis and Sabastian Harsh
"I think Tyrecus Davis had a great spring. I think Sabastian Harsh also had a great spring," Sawvel noted. Senior cornerback Tyrecus Davis (5’10”, 186 Lbs., from Greenville, Texas) continues to show the coaching staff improvement. Junior defensive end Sabastian Harsh (6’3”, 242 Lbs., hailing from Scottsbluff, Nebraska) hopes to build on his success from the 2023 season.
Nofoafia Tulafono
Another player who caught Sawvel’s eye was Nofoafia Tulafono "Fia". "I think Nofoafia Tulafono has had a great offseason and spring," Sawvel said. Senior center Nofoafia Tulafono (6’2”, 324 Lbs., from Victorville, California) returns as a starter for Wyoming. We would argue that Fia is one of the best centers in the Mountain West Conference.
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