Graduate Transfer Evan Eller Finding His Identity at Linebacker for Cowboys
- Jeff Bugher
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
LB Evan Eller Embraces Leadership Role in Wyoming Linebacker Room
LARAMIE, Wyo. — Evan Eller, the 6-foot, 230-pound graduate transfer from Virginia Military Institute, spent most of his college career as a safety before making the switch to linebacker. Last season, he appeared in four games for the Cowboys before redshirting - a decision he made on his own.
“I played in four games, but then I decided to redshirt,” Eller said. “I just felt like I had a lot more to offer to this program, and I really just wanted to maximize the opportunity I was given here. I felt like it would benefit the team and myself the most.”
Eller explained that the move wasn’t about transferring again but about fully committing to Wyoming.
“I approached them about it,” he said. “I kind of had said something to Coach Aaron Bohl [defensive coordinator] first, and he told me it was ultimately up to Coach Sawvel. I talked to Coach Sawvel, and he was asking if it was because I wanted to transfer, and I said no, Sir, I want to stay here and be in the program and just really maximize what I have to offer to this program.”
That decision allowed Eller to grow into a leadership role on defense, as well as adjust to a new position. At VMI, Eller played the safety position. In Wyoming, the transition from safety to linebacker wasn’t easy, but it has given him a new sense of identity on and off the field.
“It’s definitely different. Safety is just a little bit further back, and you don’t have to deal with linemen as much. I think it definitely suits me better for my play style, the mental side of the game, and how I approach the game. I just want to be a leader on the defense.”
Eller’s decision paid off last week against Northern Iowa. He notched three tackles and snagged a momentum-shifting interception - his first in a Cowboy uniform.
“The interception, that was just cool to finally make a big-time play in a moment when we really needed it,” Eller said. “We always talk about having the offense’s back when they’re down or when they turn the ball over, and they’re gonna have our back when we give up a touchdown. Just being able to make that play and kind of get the momentum back on our side … it was great.”
The interception energized his teammates and the crowd inside War Memorial Stadium.
“Before the interception, we just wanted to get a stop, keep them off the board, and get the ball back to our offense,” Eller recalled. “As soon as I saw the quarterback throw it, and I cut that route, I knew it was time. It was just a blessing, man. I knew our offense would respond as soon as I got it.”
Eller’s impact has extended well beyond the stat sheet. Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel has praised transfers for how quickly they’ve meshed with the team, and Eller has been a big part of that process.
Fellow linebacker Brayden Johnson has already called Eller a leader in the room, something Eller takes pride in. He credits Wyoming’s older veterans for paving the way.“I think Coach Aaron for sure because he just continued to help me develop,” Eller said. “And definitely a lot of the linebackers that were in the room last year, even though we struggled a little bit as a defense, those guys really just took me under their wing. I was really the first transfer to come into the linebacker room, so the fact that they welcomed me in and helped me learn the defense when they had been here five or six years - that really had the biggest impact on me.”
For Eller, the quick bond between the transfers and veterans has been key.
“I think the biggest part of it is understanding where we’re all coming from and being able to bond about that,” Eller said. “A lot of us came from the FCS level, a lot of us came from smaller schools… just understanding what this program hangs our head on - the blue collar mentality. And a lot of these guys feel like they were overlooked coming out of high school or whatever it may be. So being able to just bond about that and to have that hunger when we’re stepping on the field, knowing we have each other’s backs - it just all helps us mesh together really well.”
By the Numbers
2024: Appeared in four games for Wyoming before redshirting, recording two tackles.
At VMI: Played in 40 games, recording 235 career tackles, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Ranked No. 16 in the FCS in tackles in 2022 with 106. Earned All-SoCon honors and Player of the Month recognition.
High School: Virginia 3A State Defensive Player of the Year at Lord Botetourt High School in Roanoke, Va.
Personal: Eller is pursuing a degree in executive business administration at Wyoming.
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