By Jeff Bugher
The fall camp grind continued Saturday with a closed scrimmage at War Memorial Stadium that began at 10:50 AM. Today was the 2nd scrimmage of camp and marked practice #15 of 20 total practices until the Cowboy’s home opener against Texas Tech University on Saturday, September 2nd which will be televised nationally on CBS at 5:30 PM MST. The Cowboys also hosted a Mountain West Conference officiating crew for Friday’s practice and Saturday’s scrimmage. Head Coach Craig Bohl has been very optimistic and upbeat about his team throughout camp including during his press conference on Friday.
“Another good day -- we’re continuing to work on the passing game,” Bohl said. “We worked hard at the beginning of practice, and I think we’re making strides. I’m really pleased with some of the play out of the corners (cornerbacks) in particular. I think they’re doing a really nice job. The offensive line is getting better as far as the (pass) protection pickups.
“We did some work on the kicking game. We had a live punt rush and then we had punt return practice. I thought Clayton (Stewart) punted the ball really well.”
Saturday’s Scrimmage: “Fur is going to fly in this one”
“This scrimmage will be live bullets, as we say out West,” said Bohl. “They’ll be some positions that we’re going to stress a little bit more than others, but this will probably be the last final hard grade that we get. We’re constantly evaluating players, but this will show us when the lights are on who can make a play, who can break a tackle. Fur is going to fly in this one.”
Bohl wanted to emphasize that today’s scrimmage is not a dress rehearsal, but more of an evaluation period for the coaching staff to find what they are looking for in each position. Bohl has also made it clear that even players who are not on scholarships can earn starting spots as the coaching staff will be choosing the best man for each position regardless of scholarship status.
“We’ll do a dress rehearsal the week prior to our first game,” said Bohl. “We’ll bring in another crew for that and we’ll have a mock game.”
Earlier this week at UW FB Media Day, Bohl compared his statement about “when the lights are on” to that of his golf game. Bohl stated that while at the driving range, he can hit the ball well and is feeling really good, but then when he gets to the tee box and under pressure, it’s a whole different game.
“We’re constantly evaluating players, but this will show us when the lights are on who can make a play, who can break a tackle. Fur is going to fly in this one.”
Mountain West Officials at Friday’s and Saturday’s Practices
Bohl highlighted the importance of having Mountain West game officials for this weekend’s practices.
“We have a full Mountain West (officiating) crew here for two days. It’s an investment that all of us our making in the officials within the Mountain West,” said Bohl. “We’ve got a new supervisor of officials, Mike DeFee, who is nationally recognized, to elevate our game. We’re looking for consistency and transparency, and Mike has assured us that is where we’re going to be. We appreciate this crew being here. We’re not the lone rangers. There are a lot of crews working (around the league), and I think it is an indication of our conference commissioner’s (Gloria Nevarez) understanding on how to elevate our whole conference. Along with this, they’ll be doing collaborative replay this year.”
Bohl Discloses Injuries: Buck Coors and Will Pelissier
Bohl disclosed that safety Buck Coors and wide receiver Will Pelissier underwent surgery on Friday for injuries. Buck Coors suffered a recent broken hand, and Bohl anticipates that he will be out for approximately a month. Bohl was not clear on when Coors will be able to play in a game situation stating it could be “a while”. Coors also missed the first 8 games of the 2022 season due to injury.
“He (Buck Coors) broke his hand. He’s having surgery today,” added Bohl. “He’s been snake bit, but he will be back. I think it may be a month on him. I feel for him. It’s been every year, but he’s always got a positive attitude. He was in my ear big time last year as far as coming back. It’s always easier to say whoa that giddy up. He was making really good progress, but nonetheless, he’s probably going to have a plate in his hand for a while.”
Additionally, Coach Bohl revealed another injury to the media. Junior wide receiver Will Pelissier, hailing from Big Horn, Wyo., was reported to be undergoing surgery on the same day for a fractured finger. Bohl did not disclose a timeline of when we should expect to see Pelissier back in action.
Position Breakdowns
Safeties
In the safety position group, Wyoming welcomes back its starting duo from the previous season. The team retains both junior free safety Wyett Ekeler, hailing from Windsor, Colo., and junior strong safety Isaac White, representing Pottstown, Pa. Ekeler, who started all 10 games last season, and White, with an impressive 17 career starts including the last 16 consecutive games, form a solid foundation for the safety position. This tandem effectively partnered for the final nine games of the 2022 season.
Behind the established starting veterans, there is competition for playing time among a group of young safeties., Sophomore Andrew Johnson of Cheyenne, Wyo. has been identified as the backup for White at strong safety. Meanwhile, the role of the second free safety, behind Ekeler, is anticipated to be taken up by sophomore Buck Coors from Loveland, Colo.
“We have some emerging guys, and we feel really good about the upper echelon guys,” said Bohl. “We’re trying to work with some of the back-up guys, and Coach (Jay) Sawvel is doing a nice job of integrating them into tough situations. We have to develop not only depth but competition. We do feel good about our starters, but to think you’re going to go through the whole year with those two starters is a little bit unrealistic. We’re not where we need to be but we’re making progress.”
Bohl was asked about how sophomore Johnson and redshirt freshman Koa McIntyre from Fremont, Neb., were progressing in fall camp. Bohl responded, “We’re certainly looking at those two guys. I think Andrew (Johnson) right now is probably at the forefront there. We’re pleased with his progress.”
Defensive Ends
Bohl gave a continuation injury update regarding Sophomore defensive end Sabastian Harsh from Scottsbluff, Neb., as he had to have some follow-up surgery on an injured knee earlier in fall camp, but Bohl reaffirmed his comments from last week, saying that he expects Harsh back before Wyoming’s season opener.
“We’re extremely excited (about Harsh),” said Bohl. “He’s a really polished player not only against the run but also against the pass. He’s smart. He’s got really good instincts. He’s making a good recovery. We anticipate him being able to play in our first ballgame.”
Linebackers
There’s no question that the leader of the Cowboy's defense will be junior middle linebacker Easton Gibbs from Temecula, Calif. Yet there seemed to be some questions from the media regarding who will be filling the positions alongside Gibbs. Shae Suiaunoa from Houston, Texas is the returning starter at the weak-side linebacker position. Starting all 13 games for Wyoming during the 2022 season, Suiaunoa racked up 73 tackles ranking him at second position for tackles behind Gibbs 121 tackles. Bohl also spoke about another linebacker who had a strong spring camp as well as a strong fall camp so far: Connor Shay.
“We’re really pleased with Connor (Shay). He’s locked in at MIKE (middle linebacker),” said Bohl. “Shae (Suiaunoa) has been playing WILL (weakside linebacker). We’re trying to have some clarity there. Shae has improved his tackling. He’s always been a good blitzer, but had too many missed tackles last year. In the first scrimmage (this fall) he really did a nice job of wrapping up.”
The team will have Sunday off and will continue fall camp with practice number 16 with “half pads” at the North 40 on Monday at 9:40 AM.
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