By Jeff Bugher
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming 2023 college football season, the focus inevitably turns to the backbone of any successful team—the offensive line. Throughout the off-season, there have been notable changes, with some players departing via the transfer portal and others stepping up to seize their opportunities. This analysis will delve into the depth chart, reviewing the players lost to the transfer portal and the newcomers eager to make their mark.
Turning our attention to the 2023 summer depth chart, experienced players like Frank Crum stand tall as leaders on the field. Crum, a third-generation University of Wyoming football player, has an impressive track record, having started in 36 out of 43 games played. His switch from right tackle to left tackle adds versatility to the line, and he is expected to be a key asset to the team's success.
Players Lost to the Transfer Portal
During the off-season, the Wyoming Cowboys faced the departure of several key players who entered the transfer portal seeking new opportunities. Among them, Emmanuel Pregnon, the highly regarded offensive lineman, attracted significant attention from top college football programs. Despite initially having limited interest during high school recruiting, Pregnon's impressive performance at Wyoming in 2022 elevated his status, resulting in over 20 offers from prominent CFB teams. Another notable departure was Jagger Filippone, a freshman offensive tackle from Torrey Pines, whose time on the field was cut short without playing a single snap. Additionally, Deshawn Woods, hailing from Central Omaha, NE, also entered the transfer portal, leaving his future destination uncertain.
Position Review
Left Tackle
LT1: 75 Frank Crum (6-7, 315, Gr., Laramie, Wyo.)
Crum has played 43 games for Wyoming, starting 36 of 43 games. Made the switch from right tackle to left tackle in 2023. Crum is a 3rd generation University of Wyoming football player. Frank’s father Gary was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 1982 NFL draft. Crum earned All-Conference honors in 2022 from both Pro Football Focus (Third Team) and Phil Steele (Fourth Team). He is a member of the 2023 Hampshire Honor Society for his academic achievements. He also earned academic All-Mountain West honors. I think Crum has a legitimate shot at the NFL.
"We list him at 6’ 7” but I think he may be closer to 6’ 8” and 315 pounds. He has excellent feet and great range. He’s what you’re looking for in a prototypical left tackle." Craig Bohl on Frank Crum
LT2: 74 Forrest Scheel (6-7, 295, RFr., Cambridge, Minn.)
Scheel played in 2 games during 2022. 2023 is the first year Forrest will start fall camp on the depth chart. His size and talent will allow him to easily transition into a starting role in 2024. Forest played high school football at Eden Prairie (Minnesota) under Mike Grant (son of former Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant).
Right Tackle
Introducing Wyoming Cowboys' 2023 right tackles: Caden Barnett, a standout sophomore from Justin, Texas, and JJ Uphold, a promising talent from Bakersfield, California. Watch for their impact on the team this season.
RT1: 72 Caden Barnett (6-5, 305, So., Justin, Texas)
Played in 12 games during the 2022 season and filed in for an injured Frank Crum. Barnett was a 3-star recruit out of high school.
“Caden Barnett played some right tackle last year when Frank (Crum) was down. Caden had shoulder surgery this offseason, so he missed spring football.” Craig Bohl
RT2: 61 JJ Uphold (6-5, 285, So., Bakersfield, Calif.)
Uphold has not played in any games for the Cowboys. He was a 3-star recruit coming out of high school.
Left Guard
The left guard position sees Wes King, who has yet to make his regular-season debut, but he has shown promise during spring camp, earning the top spot on the depth chart. Ethan Drewes, on the other hand, is no longer with the program, leaving an opening for rising talent to seize the opportunity.
LG1: 78 Wes King (6-5, 292, RFr., Appleton, Wis.)
Wes King has not seen the field for the Cowboys during a regular season game….yet. King had a strong showing during spring camp, and is listed at the top of the depth chart right now. King was a three-star recruit out of high school, and was also ranked as the No. 20 overall college recruit from the state of Wisconsin. Wes King will likely be the starter.
“The left guard, Wes King, is an emerging player. He redshirted last year. He had a really exceptional spring, and I think he is up a little over 300 pounds now." Craig Bohl
LG2: 55 Ethan Drewes (6-3, 278, )r., Longmont, Colo.) – Ethan Drewes is no longer with the program per reports. Was LG2 on the summer depth chart prior to his departure from the team.
Right Guard
In the right guard position, Jack Walsh's versatility makes him an essential asset, capable of playing both tackle and guard positions. His performance in 2022 has solidified his place as a key starter, while Rex Johnsen adds depth to the position, ready to step in if needed.
RG1: 79 Jack Walsh (6-3, 309, So., Palatine, II.) – Jack Walsh can play tackle and guard. Wyoming is planning on using Walsh at the right guard position in 2023. Walsh played 11 games in 2022, starting 3 of them. He was a three-star recruit out of high school.
“Jack Walsh can play both tackle and guard. We’re going to start him out at right guard. He also had an excellent spring." Craig Bohl
RG2: 70 Rex Johnsen (6-5, 294, RFr., Logan, lowa) – Rex was a three-star recruit out of high school. Johnsen brings depth to the position and has the size and talent to easily step in.
Center
At center, Nofoafia Tulafono, the 2022 starter, is set to retain his position, having displayed impressive skills and earning accolades during his high school career. Meanwhile, Luke Sandy, who hails from the same high school as standout Chad Muma, provides valuable depth to the position after redshirting in 2022.
C1: 77 Nofoafia Tulafono (6-2, 323, Jr., Victorville, Calif.) - Nofoafia Tulafono was the starter in 2022 and will continue to hold that spot in 2023. He played in 11 games during the 2022 season. He came to Wyoming stacked with awards from high school.
“Fia (Nofoafia Tulafono), our center, was really capable last year. He’s cut down a little bit of weight and is an experienced player." Craig Bohl
C2: 57 Luke Sandy (6-2, 289, RFr., Elizabeth, Colo.) – Luke redshirted in 2022, he also attended the same high school as Chad Muma. Sandy also adds depth to the position.
2023 Predictions
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, the predictions are optimistic. Led by the veteran leadership of Frank Crum, the offensive line is poised to be a real force, providing essential protection for the quarterback and opening up lanes for the running backs. The success of the offensive line will be crucial, especially given the challenges presented by the non-conference schedule.
“…Overall I think this group is going to be an imposing offense line. With our non-conference schedule, it is going to be important to provide good protection for our quarterback and then also provide the ability to pop some lanes open for our running backs.” Craig Bohl
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