By Jeff Bugher
4/11/2024
Assessment of Team Progress and Preparation
Wyoming Head Coach Jay Sawvel addressed the media in a press conference following a productive Tuesday practice, expressing satisfaction with the team's progress. "We got work done. It was a good Tuesday practice," Sawvel remarked. He elaborated on the team's schedule, highlighting the upcoming scrimmage as a pivotal event. "We won't go live Thursday because we'll scrimmage this Saturday, so the open practice on Saturday, we'll stretch at 10:15," he explained. Sawvel emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity throughout practice sessions and commended the effort displayed by players across all positions. "I think we're getting quality effort from all the positions right now. I see improvement in a lot of things," he stated. However, he also identified areas for improvement, particularly focusing on offensive tackle performance. "The biggest thing right now is progress in offensive tackle," Sawvel noted. Despite acknowledging the team's progress, Sawvel emphasized the need for continued refinement and addressed the ongoing preparations for the upcoming season. "We have a lot of stuff to clean up, We're not game ready. We don't need to be game ready, but we have a lot of things that we want to clean up and address," he admitted. Looking ahead, Sawvel expressed excitement for the upcoming practices and the Saturday scrimmage, underscoring the team's commitment to improvement. "I'm excited to see Thursday's practice and then Saturday's scrimmage. I'm looking forward to seeing that we're going to get after it on Saturday," he concluded.
Air Force Score Displayed During Practice
Sawvel made a striking move by displaying the Air Force score on the video board during practice at War Memorial Stadium, prompting questions from the media about its impact. Sawvel responded, "That I don't know. I mean, I put it up there and I mean it." He emphasized the necessity of reminding the team about the work that lies ahead, asserting, "You know, we've got work to do." As the discussion unfolded, Sawvel went into the urgency he seeks to instill within the team, stating, "I'm a winless head coach. I could say I'm an undefeated head coach." Sawvel told his team to operate on a "one-day contract" to keep his team motivated. There’s no doubt, the score serves as a stark reminder of their goals.
Player Development and Potential: Coach Sawvel's Insight on Freshman Chris Durr Jr.
Sawvel spoke to the media about the progress of freshman Chris Durr Jr., a 3-star recruit wide receiver. Sawvel expressed optimism about Durr's development, stating, "I think Chris Durr is doing really well… [Durr] came here really light, and he's gained 20 lbs since he's been here." Sawvel highlighted Durr's physical growth and praised his on-field abilities, noting, "I think his ability to run and his ball skills are really evident. I mean his catch radius is really big because he can catch a ball over here or up here or down there." Emphasizing Durr's versatility and adaptability, Sawvel added, "Put a ball anywhere near him and he's got really good hands and really good ball skills, [and he] tracks balls really well." Sawvel made a bold and confident statement on Durr's potential impact, stating, "I think by him being here now and by him having the full offseason of what he's going to have, he's put himself in a position where I think he will become playable in our season as we get into August and September."
Developing Depth: Insights into Ian Bell's Progress as a Cornerback
Sawvel offered insights into Ian Bell, the sophomore cornerback from La Verne, California, who stands at an impressive 6'1 and 186 pounds. When asked by the media about Bell's abilities and potential impact, Sawvel highlighted Bell's steady demeanor and consistent work ethic. "He's a consistent person [with] consistent work ethic, and he did a pretty good job as a freshman in the spots that he played," Sawvel remarked. Sawvel acknowledged that mistakes are inevitable for young players like Bell but commended his day-to-day demeanor and reliability. "I like his day-to-day demeanor, his consistency and he fits a lot of guys that I've had in my past," Sawvel noted. However, Sawvel tempered expectations, acknowledging the steep learning curve at the cornerback position. "Right now he would be a starter at the position, but [there’s] still a lot of work to do…It's a work in progress," Sawvel explained. Sawvel emphasized the complexity of playing cornerback, highlighting the range of techniques and adjustments required. "There's less assignment at corner and far more technique and far more being able to [adjust]."
Placekicker/Punting Update: "We're going to see whether our starting punter is on campus yet or not."
When asked by the media regarding the kicking position. Sawvel was rather abrupt: "I don't know yet," Sawvel admitted, reflecting the ongoing evaluation process. Assessing individual performances, he noted, "Erik Sandvicks’ hit some good balls, Keelan Anderson did his best punting today, which was good." Emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, Sawvel added, "I think those guys continue to get better." However, uncertainty loomed as he stated, "We're going to see whether our starting punter is on campus yet or not." Sawvel affirmed, "My job is to make sure that we have the best player on the field for that particular scenario." Whether the ideal candidate emerges from the current roster, Sawvel affirmed, "If I feel like the punter is in house great. If I feel like the punter needs to come from outside… we'll get that done too."
Dynamic Duo: Coach Jay Sawvel on the Evan Svoboda and John Michael Gyllenborg Connection
When questioned about the synergy between quarterback Evan Svoboda and tight end John Michael Gyllenborg, Wyoming's Head Coach Jay Sawvel offered glowing praise for the pair. "They’re two freaky athletes," Sawvel remarked, acknowledging their exceptional talents. Reflecting on Svoboda's inclination to target Gyllenborg on the field, Sawvel quipped, "If I was a quarterback, I'd go to J-Mike, too, It’s really not hard like that. That's about the relationship." Beyond their on-field chemistry, Sawvel highlighted their inseparable bond off the field, sharing, "They're like in the same classes, so they're kind of inseparable that way, and they're just great people." Praising their physical prowess and camaraderie, Sawvel added, "They're great athletes. They're built like statues, and they run really well." Expressing gratitude for their presence on the team, Sawvel emphasized, "We're blessed that they're here, and they have a good playing relationship [and] working relationship along with the fact that they're really good friends off the field and everything that way, but they're just great people. You know what I mean? That's what I love about those two." Sawvel's remarks shed light on the multifaceted connection between Svoboda and Gyllenborg, underscoring their impact both on and off the football field.
Shae Suiaunoa's Return: A Defensive Game-Changer
The media asked about linebacker Shae Suiaunoa's return to the Wyoming football team for his final season, Sawvel underscored the invaluable experience and expertise Suiaunoa brings to the field. Hailing from Houston, Texas, the 6'3", 232 lbs graduate student brings a big physical presence and a wealth of knowledge to the linebacker position. "Well, there's a lot of. First of all, his experience and experience at a very important position," Sawvel stated. He emphasized the strategic advantage of having seasoned players across every defensive level, from the defensive line to the secondary. Sawvel highlighted Suiaunoa's pivotal role in enhancing communication and coordination within the team. "Now with Shae sliding over to where Easton Gibbs [was]… there's communication levels [with] getting everybody lined up, getting everybody going that way," Sawvel elaborated. Noting Suiaunoa's proficiency in defensive schemes and responsibilities, Sawvel remarked, "He already knows what to do so he can do these other things. He's not trying to figure it out." Sawvel's insights illuminate Suiaunoa's significance as a seasoned leader and contributor.
Navigating the Gridiron: Coach Sawvel on Helmet Communication and Technological Advancements
Head Coach Jay Sawvel provided insights into the utilization of helmet communication in light of new NCAA rule. "We are in the live periods, we're using them and some of the other team periods. And stuff. We're kind of not using that all the time, especially when we're double repping and you got coaches all over everywhere, but anything that we do as a single group thing, we're using the helmet communication," Sawvel explained. Acknowledging the significance of streamlined communication, Sawvel highlighted the differences between collegiate and professional football dynamics. "The difference between college and the NFL, though, like defensively, you can give Logan Wilson the call for the Cincinnati Bengals, they’ll huddle. We haven’t used [a huddle] on defense since, like, 1998. You can't huddle against Texas Tech, right? You’ve just got to get lined up," Sawvel emphasized. While the defensive operation might remain largely unchanged with one player having the in-helmet receiver (likely a linebacker), Sawvel underscored the value of enhanced quarterback communication on offense. Sawvel disclosed plans to integrate helmet communication during upcoming practices and scrimmages, mimicking game-like scenarios. He also expressed enthusiasm for other technological advancements, such as tablets on the sidelines, which offer new avenues for analysis and strategizing. Sawvel concluded by noting Wyoming was going to use helmet communication in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl, but Toledo didn’t agree to use the technology. Sawvel elaborated that both teams had to agree for the technology to be used.
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