Defensive Nickelback Wrook Brown is Wyoming’s “Johnny on the spot,” for always being at the right place at the right time. Whether intercepting a pass against Texas Tech or picking up a fumble, Brown has a knack for being where the action is. In a recent interview, the Wyoming Cowboys junior safety opened up about his playmaking ability and journey to Laramie.
“Some of it is pulling identity on the team,” Brown said. “I just play hard, and whenever you're on defense… and if you're around the ball, good things usually happen. Getting around the ball is the biggest thing, and that comes from playing hard," Brown reinforced.
Brown has lived up to his motto of playing hard throughout his career at UW, especially during his 2024 campaign. He's projected to beat his single-season records for tackling statistical categories and interceptions.
Brown has been a part of many memorable moments. When asked about his favorite memory so far at Wyoming, he didn’t hesitate to point to last season’s upset victory over Texas Tech.
“There were a lot of big home wins last year, like App State and Fresno, but I’d have to say Texas Tech was my favorite. Just the energy from the crowd, the way we came back—it was incredible. Walking off the field after that game, with the crowd rushing onto the field, that was my favorite moment so far.”
Before his days at Wyoming, Brown was an all-around athlete at Salado High School in Texas, playing multiple positions, including running back and safety. “I was mainly an offensive guy before my senior year,” he shared. “We ran the slot T offense, so we might have passed four or five times a game. I was a halfback in high school.”
Brown’s path to Wyoming wasn’t typical, especially for a player from a smaller school in Central Texas. Initially recruited by Louisiana Monroe, Brown was introduced to Wyoming right before his senior season during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic. He credits his decision to commit to the Cowboys to the program’s culture and the unique experience of playing for Wyoming.
“When Wyoming came along, it was an easy decision,” Brown explained. “I liked the way the coaches did things, and the fact that Wyoming is a state with just one college and everybody is a Pokes fan, that really intrigued me.”
Playing at War Memorial Stadium has been one of the highlights of Brown’s college career. Reflecting on the atmosphere at "The War," he said, “Playing football is always fun, but playing at home is on another level. There hasn’t been an atmosphere that I’ve experienced on the road that compares to Wyoming. It gives us a confidence boost knowing that the crowd is going to play a factor.”
Although the 2024 season hasn’t gone as planned, Brown said the team keeps a positive mindset and focuses on the process. “Our strength coach, Eric Donoval, always says we’re process-driven, not result-driven,” Brown noted. “You do the same thing Monday through Friday, whether you’re coming off a win or a loss. The losses still hurt, but the mindset hasn’t changed. We’re still working hard and still fighting for wins.”
Although the chances of making a bowl game are slim, five games remain to close out the season. “This year, we want to win as many games as we can." Wrook's goals for next year? Next year? "it’s the same goal, but we’re going to have a better season. I’m not supposed to say the words ‘conference championship,’ but we’re just going to try to win as many games as we can.”
Like two peas in a pod, the state of Texas and football are synonymous. “My dad was on the Lake County Dream Team in high school, and my brother is a high school football coach,” he shared. “I grew up thinking about football all the time, playing different sports, but football was always there.”
But… how did Wyoming find him? Brown admits he’s not completely sure. “I’ve asked Gordie [Haug] (Executive Director of Recruiting) a couple of times, and he hasn’t given me a clear answer,” Brown laughed. “But during COVID, he recruited my area, which isn’t usual for them. Now we’ve got a few guys from Central Texas, so it’s worked out.”
Brown may not have all the answers about how he ended up in Laramie, but his love for the program and his teammates is truly evident with how comfortable he is on the team. Brown said he values the camaraderie within the Cowboys team. “We still believe in each other,” he said. “There’s no finger-pointing, no friction between players and coaches. We’re in this together.”
As Brown continues to make big plays and embrace his role on the team, Wyoming fans can rest assured knowing he’ll be right where he needs to be—on the field, making an impact.
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