By Jeff Bugher
On Tuesday, Head Coach Jay Sawvel oversaw a showcase of talent with a sense of pride and enthusiasm. As 26 NFL scouts and coaches gathered to observe, Sawvel noted standout performances from players like Treyton Welch, Andrew Peasley Frank Crum, Cole Godbout, and Easton Gibbs. Pro Day served as a platform for these athletes to demonstrate their abilities and pursue their dreams of playing at the professional level.
Head Coach Jay Sawvel's Take:
New Wyoming football Head Coach Jay Sawvel exuded a mix of pride and enthusiasm for his players. "There were a lot of guys that I thought helped themselves," he began. "One thing that stood out to me was Treyton Welch. I mean, why he wasn't at the combine, I don't understand. But what he did today, running, jumping, benching, it was impressive. He definitely helped himself."
Welch's performance wasn't the only one that caught Coach Sawvel's attention. He highlighted the performance of quarterback Andrew Peasley and linebacker Easton Gibbs, emphasizing their contributions to the day's success. "Without going through every single guy," he explained, "Peasley and Gibbs really stood out. They seized the opportunity and made the most of it."
When asked about the feedback from NFL personnel, Coach Sawvel provided insights into the intricacies of the evaluation process. "Nobody's really asked me anything in particular," he admitted. One thing is for certain: These scouts do their homework, especially on guys who stood out at the combine and Pro Day.
Touching a bit on Frank Crum, Sawvell reiterated that Frank really didn’t have much more he could prove after having a great NFL Combine appearance in Indianapolis. Crum started the day with 27 reps in the weight room.
Coach Sawvel shared his observations on individual players' performances. From Cole Godbout's resilience despite past injuries to Trayton's impressive showing, he provided valuable insights into each player's journey and potential.
Amidst the discussions of individual performances, Coach Sawvel highlighted the broader impact of Pro Day on the University of Wyoming's football program. "Having NFL scouts present speaks volumes about our program," he asserted. "It's a testament to the talent we develop and the respect we command in the football community." Scouts from 26 NFL teams made the trek to Laramie.
One particularly poignant moment arose when discussing former players returning for Pro Day. Coach Sawvel spoke warmly of Esaias Gandy's decision to participate once again, emphasizing the program's commitment to its alumni. "I'm not going to turn down our former players," he stated emphatically. "It's great to see them come back and pursue their dreams."
Andrew Peasley, Quarterback - La Grande, Oregon
6’2, 218 LBS
Peasley, a standout quarterback for UW, exuded confidence and determination as he reflected on his Pro Day experience. "I think I did good," he remarked, his voice brimming with confidence. "I think I was in the four class somewhere. (for the 40-yard dash) It's good. That was my goal. So yeah, it's a good day."
When asked about his aspirations beyond college football, Peasley expressed his desire to continue playing at the professional level.
"This day is kind of like...it's my one shot."
"I was just excited to get an opportunity to competitively kind of play this game a little bit one more time." Despite facing challenges, including injury, Peasley remains determined to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL.
In the months leading up to Pro Day, Peasley dedicated himself to training and preparing for the event. "Obviously, I stayed out here (in Laramie)," he explained, detailing his daily routine of spending time with family, training, and focusing on his physical conditioning.
Peasley also spoke fondly of his teammate, Frank, who recently participated in the NFL Combine. "I was pretty pumped for him," Peasley remarked. "It's a different deal down there... happy for Frank to go down and show them his stuff."
Easton Gibbs, Linebacker - Temecula, California
6’2, 230 LBS
"I'm not sure what I ran in the 40, but I felt good with the agility stuff." Gibbs remarked with confidence.
Having experienced the combine alongside his teammate Frank Crum, Gibbs found comfort in familiarity during the nerve-wracking process. "It was awesome having a guy there, a familiar face," he said, reflecting on the camaraderie amidst the high-stakes environment of the combine.
Reflecting on his experiences leading up to Pro Day, Gibbs expressed gratitude for the support and guidance he received from his coaches and teammates. "It's been great having those guys in my corner," he acknowledged, highlighting the importance of a strong support system in pursuing his dreams.
As Gibbs navigated through interviews and evaluations, he remained focused on the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the NFL. "Just enjoying the process, you know, hopefully landing on my feet somewhere," he said, emphasizing his commitment to making the most out of every opportunity.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his draft projection, Gibbs remained optimistic about his prospects about getting drafted. "Day three (or any day of the draft), I'm just hoping to get my opportunity," he explained.
Throughout the Pro Day events, Gibbs drew attention with his athleticism and skillset, leaving a lasting impression on NFL scouts and coaches. With feedback emphasizing his strengths on film, Gibbs aimed to validate his abilities with his performance on Pro Day.
Looking ahead, Gibbs plans to watch the draft from California, surrounded by family and close friends. With a sense of anticipation and excitement, he awaited the next chapter of his football journey, ready to embrace whatever opportunities came his way.
As Easton Gibbs concluded his Pro Day journey at the University of Wyoming, he left a lasting impression with his dedication, resilience, and unwavering determination to chase his NFL dreams. With the support of his coaches, teammates, and loved ones, Gibbs remained steadfast in his pursuit of a professional football career, poised to make waves in the NFL landscape.
Cole Godbout, Nose Tackle - Hudson, Wisconsin
6’4, 290 LBS
For University of Wyoming nose tackle Cole Godbout, this day represented not just an opportunity to impress scouts but also a chance to overcome setbacks and prove his mettle.
Godbout's journey hasn't been without its challenges. When asked about the frustrations of dealing with injuries, especially after being highly regarded in previous seasons, he reflected, "You know it. It's frustrating, but you know the amount of people that have done it. It's not how it's when you know, and I mean it's tough, but you keep pushing and just keep grinding.”
For Godbout, his time after the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl was a time of focused training and preparation. He spent it at a gym in Grove City, located an hour north of Pittsburgh, under the guidance of Terry Grossetti of Grossetti Performance. Reflecting on his offseason regimen, he remarked, "It was great. I loved it and really enjoyed it. I wouldn't have changed anything. He was honestly a really great trainer and I had a really great group of group of guys I trained with out there."
The dedication to his training was evident as he stepped onto the field for his Pro Day. When asked about how he felt during the event, Godbout expressed contentment, stating, "I felt good, honestly. I was honestly pretty happy everything."
Despite his solid performance and undeniable skill set, Godbout acknowledges that he may have flown under the radar for some scouts. "Yeah, you know that that tends to happen," he admitted.
"You know, I think I put like [a] solid four years of film, but I think once I put the pads on they're going to see what I can offer."
Frank Crum, Offensive Tackle - Laramie, Wyoming
6’7, 315 LBS
Crum, a towering presence on the field, showed a lighter side as he fielded questions about his performance and aspirations. "Any spotlight I can put on Wyoming, I'll do that for sure," Crum remarked, reflecting his commitment to his alma mater.
With a touch of humor, Crum addressed the speculation surrounding his distinctive blonde curls, stating,
"My hair is gaining some traction, and there's been some doubters. It is real. And the curls are natural, this isn't permed or anything. It's blonde, natural."
Opting out of certain events during the Pro Day, Crum explained his strategy, emphasizing his competitive spirit and the need to prioritize his well-being. "I'm a competitor at heart, so participating with the guys that I played with, I want to be a part of it for sure," he said.
Crum's performance on the field garnered praise from his peers, with fellow teammate Jayhawk singled out for his impressive speed, and quarterback Peasley lauded for his precision on deep throws. Reflecting on the significance of facing big opponents like Texas and Texas Tech, Crum underscored the importance of showcasing his abilities against top competition.
As the Pro Day unfolded, Crum's leadership and influence were palpable, drawing the attention of scouts from over 26 NFL teams. Despite the personal accolades, Crum remained focused on the collective success of his teammates, acknowledging their contributions and potential.
The journey from his freshman year to NFL prospect has been a testament to Crum's dedication and perseverance. "I've enjoyed this process so much, and I don't overlook it one bit," he reflected. "I'm not moving on to the next day before this one's done, so it's truly been day by day, and that's how I approach it."
Big Shoes to Fill: Looking ahead, Crum expressed confidence in his successors, recognizing the depth of talent within the University of Wyoming football program. "Competition breeds success," he remarked, highlighting the ongoing evolution and promising future of the team.
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