Watch out 50 Cent, Wyoming safety Wyett Ekeler has embraced being “in da clubs.”
Starting safety Wyett Ekeler for the University of Wyoming from Windsor, Colorado, is heading into the final section of the 2024 season with a renewed sense of purpose. Now a graduate in his final year of NCAA eligibility, Ekeler embraces his leadership role with the Wyoming defense, ready to both inspire and guide younger teammates.
Ekeler is excited to shape the mold for the Cowboys’ young talent, especially the freshmen in the safety room. "Finally graduating, taking on a leadership role...we’ve got two freshmen right now, and we definitely gotta get these guys right,” Ekeler said. He explained his method of mixing “tough love” with encouragement to help bring the rookies up to speed. “You gotta put them in place every now and then…just build them up and break them down type of thing,” he added.
Shaping the mold has helped with coverage, as many Pokes have been out with injuries this year. Ekeler hasn’t been immune from the injury bug either. During Wyoming’s game against BYU on Sep. 14th, Ekeler injured both thumbs, requiring surgery. Wyett sat on the sidelines until returning to action on Oct. 19th on the road at San Jose State University. Ekeler snagged a critical interception with clubs on both hands and returned the ball for eleven yards. Although we don’t think Ekeler wanted to be in “da club” as 50 Cent would say, he sure has embraced being “in da clubs.”
Ekeler is determined to make an impact on the Cowboy’s defense. "I take one day at a time and get better each day,” he explained. With his former position coach, Jay Sawvel, now at the helm as head coach, Ekeler feels grateful for the guidance that has shaped his time at Wyoming. “Having my old position coach as the head coach is amazing. I love Sawvel to death. I would not be here without him,” Ekeler said.
How about the names on the back of jerseys this year? Although the Cowboys’ uniforms have only displayed numbers over the last decade, Ekeler noted that adding names resonates with him and his teammates, representing pride in the university and a personal family connection. "We play for this university, we play for these guys, we play for this state, but at the same time...I also play for my family as well,” he said.
Ekeler keeps a focused outlook and tells us that a few opponents hold special significance. "We don’t like to talk about them...the blue team and green team down south,” Ekeler hinted with a smile, avoiding direct mention of rivals Colorado State and Boise State. Yet, he remains adamant that every game is crucial. “For every game, not one game is more important than another.”
Does the last name Ekeler sound familiar? You might know the name from his brother Austin, an NFL running back who starts for the Washington Commanders. Austin was with the LA Chargers for the previous six seasons. He's likely on your NFL fantasy team getting you those critical points...or your buddy has him on his team and is beating you when you face off head-to-head.
Although the season hasn’t panned out the way anyone expected this year, there are always bright spots to write about. How many D1 safeties can say they started games with two clubs on their hands and made plays, including an interception and a return? If that’s not Cowboy Tough, we don’t know what is.
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