LARAMIE, Wyo. (Nov. 19, 2024) - Evan Svoboda ran onto Sonny Lubick field in Fort Collins, Colo. last Friday night as QB2 and as a tight end. Yes, you read that right… tight end. The former starting quarterback for the Cowboys is now adding another position to his plate besides his QB2 duties.
Svoboda began the year as QB1, but offensive struggles and a 1-6 start to the season had Jay Sawvel inserting QB2 Kaden Anderson into the mix for week seven against Utah State. Kaden Anderson was named the starting quarterback for the following game at New Mexico on November 2nd.
Losing your starting job would put most athletes in a dark place with thoughts of transferring with the way the portal is these days, but not for Evan, a captain on the team. For Svoboda, the team and his leadership are put before himself, and it’s not just lip service. The tight end position idea came to fruition when Svoboda approached Wyoming Head Coach Jay Sawvel several weeks ago shortly after the Utah State game. "I told Coach Sawvel I wanted to do whatever it takes for this team to win," Svoboda explained. I felt like I was too talented to not be doing anything."
Following Svoboda’s conversation with Sawvel, offensive coordinator Jay Johnson and co-special teams coordinator/tight ends/fullbacks coach Shannon Moore began working with Svoboda at the tight end position during Wyoming's bye week. Moore expressed that he really likes Svoboda's team-first mentality: "It just goes to show the kind of team player he is. He’ll do anything to help us win."
Svoboda told us the building blocks of the tight end position began in the quarterback room, with Johnson coaching him on the X’s and O’s. On the practice field, Moore worked with Evan on the physical aspects of the position, meshing everything together.
Moore sees a bright future regarding Svoboda's athleticism. "Evan is a big, athletic kid who can do a lot for our program. Whether it’s blocking, running routes, or making catches, he’s shown he can handle it," Moore said.
Svoboda’s roommate and best friend is tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (J-Mike), who he said is helping him adjust to learning the new position. "Every day at practice, I’d run a route or block and come back to ask him for advice," Svoboda shared. "He’s been like a mentor to me."
Moore has also seen Gyllenborg share his knowledge with everyone around him. "J-Mike is the kind of guy who steps up for anyone, anytime. Whether it’s coaching Evan or another teammate, he’s always there to help."
What’s it like going from QB to tight end? "It’s a completely different viewpoint," he explained. "As a quarterback, you’re focused on the entire defense. As a tight end, it’s more about knowing your responsibilities and focusing on your part of the field."
Although Svoboda didn’t make any catches during his debut last Friday, but he has been making catches in practice, earning praise from head coach Jay Sawvel and Moore. "He proved in practice he can do anything we ask of him," Moore said. "He’s one of our best football players, and we’re going to use him in ways that help us win."
Head coach Jay Sawvel spoke about Evan’s progress in practice. "He ran a route, made a good catch, and did all that. And he came back, and I said, 'You're liking this, aren't you?' And the first thing he said, 'I'll like it a lot better when I can breathe,' because he still has a nose that has to get fixed at the end of the season."
Will Evan switch to the tight end position permanently? He remains open to continuing in his new role but wants to keep his options flexible. "I’m still playing around with it," he said. You’ll have to stay tuned to see what happens."
Jay Sawvel spoke positively about everything. "He and I will have a talk at the end of the season about what this all looks like going forward for him and his future, which I have a pretty good idea what that will be. And we're looking forward to him being a good player in our program a year from now."
For Svoboda, the 2024 season hasn’t gone as planned, but he still remains focused. "My mindset and work ethic don’t change, no matter the situation," he said. "I just want to contribute any way I can." Nobody can deny the passion and leadership Svoboda has for this team.
Comments