By Jeff Bugher
jeff@pokesnews.com The Wyoming Cowboys football team is gearing up for an exciting season, and all eyes are on the quarterback room as they prepare to take the field. The most current summer depth chart reveals sixth-year quarterback Andrew Peasley at QB1 and sophomore Evan Svoboda at QB2. Let's take a closer look at the talented quarterbacks and what they bring to the team.
Andrew Peasley: A Veteran Leader with Impressive Achievements
Andrew Peasley (6-2, 210 lbs), the experienced sixth year player, has already made a significant impact on the team. Hailing from La Grande, Oregon, Peasley had an outstanding 2022 season, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition. He also showcased his skills in a memorable performance against Tulsa on September 3, 2022, securing the 2022 Mountain West Player of the Week Offensive title.
Not only was Peasley a standout performer, but he also displayed exceptional leadership qualities as the team captain for the 2022 season. His cool and calm demeanor on the field contributed to the Cowboys' success, leading them to a 7-6 record and securing a berth in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl. In 12 games, Peasley's arm talent was proven as he threw for 1,574 yards and 10 touchdowns. Additionally, his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback was on display with 339 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With a total of 1,913 yards, he emerged as Wyoming's team leader in total offense.
“Andrew (Peasley) will be a sixth-year player. He is a resilient player and earned the respect of his teammates last year by being elected a captain,” Craig Bohl
Peasley's transfer to Wyoming from Utah State in 2023 added depth and experience to the team's quarterback room. Head Coach Craig Bohl praised Peasley's resilience and the respect he earned from his teammates during his tenure as a captain. However, Coach Bohl also emphasized the need for Peasley to continue improving to take the team to new heights.
“He had a good spring (Andrew Peasley), but he needs to play better this year. We have high expectations for Andrew to take another step forward." Craig Bohl
Evan Svoboda: An Emerging Talent with Tremendous Arm Strength
Evan Svoboda joined Wyoming a year ago after transferring from Snow Junior College and quickly caught the attention of coaches...a story that sounds familiar for those who know Josh Allen's story. Standing tall at 6'5" and weighing 245 pounds, Svoboda (Mesa, AZ) possesses the physical stature of a promising NFL quarterback.
"...(Evan) has the stature of what you’re looking for in an NFL quarterback. Evan has tremendous arm strength. I keep looking at the number 17 that he’s wearing and have tried to draw some comparisons (to former Wyoming QB Josh Allen who wore #17), even though that is kind of hard to do" Craig Bohl
Coach Craig Bohl was cautious not to draw direct comparisons, yet sees shades of former Wyoming QB Josh Allen, who also wore #17, in Svoboda's playing style. Although Svoboda is still in the early stages of his college career, his tremendous arm strength and skills indicate the potential and optimism Bohl has for his young quarterback.
"... Hopefully, we’re not going to be in a position to have to call on him (Svoboda) in the first game, with Andrew (Peasley) out there leading us, but we’re excited with Evan’s progress" Craig Bohl
For now, the focus remains on Andrew Peasley as the starting quarterback, but the coaching staff is excited about Svoboda's progress and development. With proper guidance and opportunities, Svoboda is lining up to be a contender for the Wyoming Cowboys in the seasons to come.
Clemons Returns
Junior QB Jayden Clemons returns for the 2023 season, but is not listed on the depth chart. Clemons was QB2 during the 2022 season, and appeared in 5 games (starting 1 for injured Peasley), he had 12 completions out fo 29 passes for 41.4% completion percentage with 145 total passing yards and 3 interceptions (all 3 INT's during the Boise State game).
Looking Ahead: Newcomers Adding Depth and Competition In addition to the three established quarterbacks, the Wyoming Cowboys welcome a trio of newcomers to the quarterback room. Carson May, a transfer from the University of Iowa, brings his experience and skillset to the team. True freshman Kaden Anderson from Southlake, Texas, committed to Wyoming during the early signing period in December 2022. Another true freshman, Gage Brook, hailing from Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colorado, adds further depth to the position.
"I feel good about the quarterback room and am optimistic about that group, but we need to improve from last year.” Craig Bohl
With fall camp starting August 2nd, Head Coach Craig Bohl expresses optimism about the quarterback room. The combination of experienced leadership in Andrew Peasley, the potential of emerging talent in Evan Svoboda, and the addition of new faces promises an exciting and competitive atmosphere. With high expectations and a drive to improve from last season, the Wyoming Cowboys' quarterback room stands on a strong foundation that will be a key part of the team's success in the 2023 season and beyond.
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