By Jeff Bugher
Running Back "U": Wyoming's Dominance on the Ground
In the world of college football, the University of Wyoming's offense has garnered mixed reviews, with some fans comparing it to watching paint dry due to its perceived one-dimensional playcalling. However, there's no denying the team's effectiveness in grinding down opposing defenses with their skillful utilization of the run game. Under the guidance of Director of Recruiting and Running Backs Coach, Gordie Haug, the Wyoming Cowboys RB corp have earned a reputation as "Running Back U" in the Mountain West. This title is well-earned, considering the impressive success they've had with their stable of running backs over the years. In the past nine seasons, Wyoming's running backs have achieved six 1000-yard rushing campaigns, showcasing the program's commitment to dominating on the ground. As we head into the 2023 season, let's take a closer look at where Wyoming was in 2022, and the top three running backs currently leading the charge for 2023.
Where Wyoming was in 2022 (RB):
Titus Swen was on a roll during the 2022 season, amassing 1039 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, that changed quickly when it was announced following the final regular season game (Fresno) that Titus Swen was no longer on the team. With the very abrupt departure of Titus Swen, Wyoming fans were wondering what direction Wyoming was going to go. In place of Swen during the Barstool Arizona Bowl, RB Jordan Vaughn was the top rusher with 67 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sounds like he will do great things for the Pokes in 2023..right? Think again... he transferred to Abilene Christian during the offseason.
Where Wyoming is now...Top 3 on the Depth Chart:
RB1: 30 Dawaiian McNeely
RB2: 4 Harrison Waylee
RB3: D.Q. James
Honorable Mention: Jeremy Hollingsworth.
Meet RB1: Dawaiian McNeely
Dawaiian McNeely, the 6-foot-2, 198-pound sophomore Running Back from Ceres, California, made a significant impact during the 2022 season. Displaying his prowess on the field, McNeely amassed an impressive 339 rushing yards over the season, contributing to his team's offensive efforts. His standout performances against Hawaii, where he recorded 81 yards and scored a touchdown, and Northern Colorado, where he gained 48 yards, showcased his potential as a rising star. Football enthusiasts are eager to witness McNeely's continued growth and success in the seasons to come. Played in 10 games in 2022, 5.7 yards per carry. McNeely is also a 2022 Phil Steele’s All-Mountain West Second Team honoree. McNeely’s 2022 season was cut short due to injury.
“Dawaiian McNeely, before he got hurt last year, was in the midst of having a heck of a year,” said Bohl. “He’s gotten bigger -- he’s about 210 pounds now. He runs with great forward lean. He’s a slasher. Dawaiian has capable hands out of the backfield catching the ball.” Craig Bohl
Career stats: In the 2022 season, he rushed for 356 yards with an average of 5.7 yards per carry, and scored one touchdown with a longest run of 61 yards. 2021 season, McNeely gained 113 yards on 17 carries, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry, and scored one touchdown with an 18-yard run. The 2020 season saw him take 14 carries for 55 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
RB2 - The Transfer Portal gives back: Harrison Waylee
Junior Northern Illinois University transfer Harrison Waylee made his way to the high plains via the transfer portal during the offseason. In 2022, the 5-foot-10, 198-pound running back recorded 165 carries for 899 yards, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry, and finding the end zone five times. He also proved to be a reliable option in the passing game with 17 receptions for 119 yards. With such consistent and exceptional performance throughout his career, the running back has undoubtedly established himself as a key addition to the offense. 2021: Suffered a season-ending injury (arm) 5 games into the season. Injuries- 2022: Missed one game, and battled through a knee injury. 2023: Will miss at least 2 games in 2023 while recovering from surgery. Waylee rushed for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns against Wyoming in 2021.
“We’ve added a transfer from Northern Illinois in Harrison Waylee. Harrison rushed for over 150 yards (179 yards) when he played against us in 2021. I know he also had a big game against Georgia Tech (144 yards) during that season.” Craig Bohl
Career stats: In 2022, Waylee rushed for 899 yards at an average of 5.4 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his receiving abilities, catching 17 passes for 119 yards. In the 2021 season, he gained 574 rushing yards with an average of 5.7 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns. In his freshman year in 2020, he rushed for 456 yards with an average of 4.3 yards per carry and caught eight passes for 61 yards, including one touchdown reception.
Waylee reveals that he is transferring to Wyoming (December 2022, Twitter)
Meet RB3: D.Q. James
D.Q. James, the 5-foot-7, 172-pound redshirt freshman Running Back from Lancaster, Texas, showcased his skills and potential during the 2022 season. Throughout the season, James displayed versatility in both rushing and receiving. Notably, he had standout performances against Utah State, where he rushed for an impressive 120 yards, and Hawaii, where he recorded 179 rushing yards and caught a reception. Averaged 8.7 yards per carry on 40 carries. 3-star recruit out of high school. Injuries: Suffered a season-ending injury late in the 2022 season.
“…we have a young man, D.Q. James, who gives us an element of change of direction and acceleration that is different from Dawaiian and Harrison. D.Q. is an under-sized guy but he can go sideways and forward as fast as about anyone that I’ve ever coached.” Craig Bohl
Thoughts on 2023:
Amidst the excitement surrounding the run game, the lingering concern stems from the injuries that sidelined all three starting running backs, with two facing season-ending setbacks during the 2022 season. Nevertheless, I remain confident that the running backs will rise to the challenge and step up to deliver their best performance.
Additional RB's on the Roster:
21 Jeremy Hollingsworth 5-9 210 Jr. - 2023 spring game: scored the first TD of the game on a two-yard run. An injury sidelined Hollingsworth in 2022. In my opinion, we could see him in the lineup in 2023.
26 L.J. Richardson 6-1 215 RFr. - 2023 spring game: was the leading rusher with six carries for 52 yards and one rushing TD.
22 Sam Scott 6-2 230 So. - 2023 spring game: Sam had 11 carries for 21 yards.
25 Mitchell Anderson 5-8 183 So. - 2023 spring game: 1 carry for 6 yards.
Tyler Jacklich 6-3 205 Fr.
Keany Parks 6-1 180 Fr.
Jamari Ferrell 5-8 190 Jr.
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