Position Report: Spotlight on Fullbacks and Tight Ends

Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg catches a ball during spring camp. 4/11/23 - Photo courtesy of the University of Wyoming

By Jeff Bugher

jeff@pokesnews.com

Wyoming's fullbacks and tight ends, coached by Shannon Moore, are set to showcase their blocking and receiving skills in 2023. At fullback, Caleb Driskill has shown remarkable versatility and adaptability, supporting the running game. Treyton Welch leads the pack in the tight end department with his reliable hands and on-field acumen, while John Michael Gyllenborg has shown promise despite limited catches. Depth on the roster comes from Kimball Madsen and Cooper Mailand at fullback and veterans like Colin O'Brien and Nick Miles at tight end. The team also boasts home-grown talent like Isaac Schoenfeld, Wyoming's No. 1 recruit in 2021. With this solid lineup, the Wyoming Cowboys are set for an exciting season with a very significant impact expected from their fullbacks and tight ends. There were no transfers in or out for these positions in 2023. Depth chart rankings below are based on the 2023 summer depth chart released by the University of Wyoming.

Fullbacks

FB1: 36 Caleb Driskill (6-2, 244, Jr., Gillette, Wyo.)

FB1: 36 Caleb Driskill - Photo courtesy of the University of Wyoming

Caleb Driskill has shown impressive versatility in his career at Wyoming. In his debut year of 2021, he played fullback in all games, paving the way for the team's successful running backs while also earning the Academic All-MW honor. His 2022 season saw him expand his role with a catch in the Arizona Bowl, numerous special teams tackles including impressive performances against New Mexico and Hawaii. His consistent presence and adaptability promise a bright future.

“At fullback, Caleb Driskill is going to be our main guy. We will line up with a fullback at times, but we’re going to move him around some.” Craig Bohl

Tight Ends (Y)

“Our two tight ends, Treyton Welch and John Mike (Gyllenborg), we think are exceptional. Treyton is a very experienced player and John Mike played a little bit last year.” Craig Bohl

TE1: 81 Treyton Welch (6-3, 241, Gr., Buffalo, Minn.)

TE1: 81 Treyton Welch - Photo courtesy of the University of Wyoming

In 2020, Welch had 5 catches for 95 yards. His growth continued in 2021, making 19 catches for 163 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns. His most notable season so far was in 2022, where he had 22 receptions for 308 yards and 5 touchdowns, showcasing his reliability with no recorded fumbles throughout his career. He was the only tight end from the Mountain West to be listed in the top 10 for touchdown receptions in the previous season. He was also fourth in the Mountain West for touchdown receptions. 2022 First Team Mountain West.

TE2: 84 John Michael Gyllenborg (6-5, 243, So., Leawood, Kan.)

TE2: 84 John Michael Gyllenborg - Photo courtesy of the University of Wyoming

In 2022, Gyllenborg saw limited action. He caught three passes for a total of 21 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per catch. Gyllenborg also earned academic All-Mountain West honors.

Additional Fullbacks on Roster:

35 Kimball Madsen 6-1 235 So.

Cooper Mailand 6-2 220 Fr.

Additional Tight Ends on Roster:

88 Colin O’Brien 6-6 245 Sr.

TE Colin O’Brien - Photo courtesy of the University of Wyoming

Collin O'Brien's career at Wyoming has seen incremental growth. He started in 2020 with one catch in a single game. In 2021, he appeared again in one game, making two receptions. His playing time increased significantly in 2022 but he was also limited due to injury. Prior to Wyoming: played the 2019 season at Saddleback Community College in California before coming to Wyoming. Three-star recruit by 247Sports and ESPN. No. 6 junior college TE recruit in the nation and No. 25 overall junior college recruit in California.

“Colin O’Brien is another veteran who has shown good ability when healthy.” Craig Bohl

86 Nick Miles 6-5 259 Jr. – 1 catch for 20 yards in 2022. He has played on special teams and also blocked for the run game. Earned academic All-Mountain West honors.

87 Isaac Schoenfeld 6-5 256 RFr. – 2021 three-star high school recruit per 247Sports, also the No. 1 recruit in the state of Wyoming for that year.

2023 Outlook

I don’t expect any depth chart changes coming out of fall camp. There is a lack of game experience at fullback on the depth chart behind Driskill, but I don't see it as an issue. Position coach Shannon Moore does a great job coaching both positions, therefore I fully anticipate another successful year for these silent workhorses who make the run game happen…and a little bit of receiving too.