By Jeff Bugher
April 6th, 2024, stands out as a key moment in recent Wyoming football history. Departing from the conservative policies of former head coach Craig Bohl. The team, now led by first-year head coach Jay Sawvel, welcomed fans to observe limited practices. This shift represents a significant departure from the previous era. Under Bohl's leadership, fans and the media were only able to assess the team's progress through biannual scrimmages in Casper and an annual spring game.
This newfound openness to change is further exemplified by the recent decision to include players' last names on their jerseys. While Bohl undoubtedly transformed Wyoming football into a competitive program, his approach had its reasons. Nonetheless, the series of changes under Sawvel which is appealing to the younger generation of football players, is a refreshing development for fans alike.
Unfortunately, we were unable to attend Saturday's practice due to Wyoming's unpredictable Spring weather, but we were able to get you information from the press conference.
Remarks from Wyoming Head Football Coach Jay Sawvel Following Saturday's Open Practice for Fans and Media:
Sawvel Applauds Turnout and Enthusiasm at Open Practice
Jay Sawvel expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and enthusiasm at the youth football camp and open practice, stating, “… to have the turnout that we had, to have all the youth [at the] clinic that we had and the number of people that were here today. It was fun.” He emphasized the positive atmosphere, noting, “There’s a lot of people still stuck around, which is cool.” Sawvel highlighted the team’s focus on improvement, stating, “We wanted to have some energy for practice today. Our players did. We’re just one day at a time and...we come back on Monday, correct our mistakes [and] come back at it Tuesday.”
Did the Team Put on a Show at the End of Practice?
Sawvel clarified, “Really, to be honest with you, that’s not a show. We didn’t do anything different today…we scripted a practice. This was very similar to what Tuesday’s practice was this past week. We were two-minute on Tuesday, we were red zone on Thursday, and now it’s kind of the way that that will be.” Sawvel emphasized that the team’s actions were part of their regular practice routine, stating, “…we just practiced today and just opened it up that was it. There wasn’t anything that was set for anybody. We were doing our work and we just let people watch.”
"We were doing our work and we just let people watch."
Sawvel's Observations after 2 Weeks of Practice:
“You’ve got a lot of stuff that’s new with some of the guys on offense. They’re doing a pretty good job…we’re moving, you know, rotating in a lot of people at different [spots] and that’s good.” Sawvel conveyed satisfaction with the team’s progress, stating, “I like where we’re at after six, but it’s one day at a time. That’s all we talk about around here. it’s one day at a time., it’s our attitude and behavior to create habits.”
"...it’s one day at a time."
Additional Things Sawvel Learned About his Team:
Sawvel expressed optimism, stating, “Yeah, I mean, we’re grinding a little bit, which is a good thing.” He emphasized the team’s focus on improving their pass rush, highlighting key players such as Braden Siders, currently weighing in at 245 lbs, and Sabastian Harsh, over 240 lbs, who have made significant strides in their physical conditioning. Sawvel pointed out, “I think we have the capability of having a pretty good pass rush though.” He also noted the depth and talent among the team’s running backs, adding, “I think we’ve got…practicing a set of really good capable running backs… that’s pretty easy to see.” Overall, Sawvel praised the team’s energy and commitment to improvement, suggesting a promising outlook for the season ahead. “Just overall I think the energy to everything is really good,” he remarked.
Baptism by Fire for the Tackle Position:
The focus shifted towards the team’s offensive line and the challenge of finding the right players for the tackle positions. When asked about the intensity of this challenge, Sawvel responded, “That’s a great thing.” He elaborated, emphasizing the importance of identifying the next player to step up, particularly in the absence of Caden Barnett from spring ball, a key starter from the previous season. Sawvel highlighted the urgency, stating, “The big thing is, is what is that next guy? Who is that next guy to go opposite him, you know?” He also emphasized the need to determine the best lineup, mentioning the possibility of utilizing Jack Walsh in that role if necessary. Sawvel described this quest as a priority for the team during spring practices, explaining, “That was one of the things that we had a little hit list of things in the spring that we had to solve offensively.”
Regarding Evan Eller, Linebacker who came from Virginia Military Institute (VMI):
When asked about Evan Eller, the linebacker who recently joined the team from Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Jay Sawvel, expressed optimism about Eller’s potential impact. Sawvel acknowledged the adjustment Eller is undergoing, transitioning from his previous position to a more central role within the team’s defensive scheme. He remarked, “Yeah, I think so…he’s got a little transition right now because of playing the position he played a year ago at VMI to then now playing in the box a lot more.” Despite this transition, Sawvel highlighted Eller’s strengths, describing him as a “good player” and “good athlete” who will contribute both on defense and special teams. Sawvel expressed excitement about Eller’s growth potential, stating, “I expect [practices] 7-8 and nine to get better.”
On Wide Receivers:
When asked about his impressions of the receivers, Sawvel acknowledged the opportunity for players to step up in this position. He remarked, “Yeah, there’s a chance…there’s an opportunity at the position.” Sawvel highlighted the performance of Jaylen Sargent, noting, “I look at Sargent, I think he’s practiced well this week.” He also praised Justin Stevenson for his contributions, stating, “Justin Stevenson does good things.” Additionally, Sawvel expressed optimism about freshman Chris Durr Jr., emphasizing his potential impact with his “great ball skills” and speed. Sawvel emphasized the ongoing competition among the receivers, stating, “That’s continued to be like, who steps up and what is that order of players.” Despite the challenges, Sawvel conveyed confidence in the group’s progress, stating, “but I think that that group’s working well and it’s like anything, we’ve got work to do one day at a time.”
On Cornerback Tyrecus Davis:
When asked about Davis’s contribution to the team, Sawvel emphasized Davis’s importance, stating, “Yeah, well, he was our best corner again last year.” Sawvel highlighted Davis’s performance in previous games, noting that he had started key matchups before sustaining an injury. Despite the setback, Sawvel praised Davis’s consistent energy and competitive spirit, stating, “Every day, here’s the thing I love about Tyrecus Davis and a number of other guys. You’re going to get the same Tyrecus Davis every day. He’s going to be high energy, he’s going to be Uber competitive.” Sawvel admired Davis’s relentless drive, likening it to someone who “fights for his last piece of food.”
"You’re going to get the same Tyrecus Davis every day. He’s going to be high energy, he’s going to be Uber competitive.”
On Offensive Lineman Abe Bangoura:
The focus turned to Abe Bangoura physical transformation and progress on the team. When asked about Bangoura's noticeable increase in size, Sawvel confirmed the significant change, stating, “I don’t know how much he’s put on, but it’s quite a bit.” Sawvel estimated a weight gain of approximately 30 pounds since Bangoura's arrival, underscoring the dedication he has shown in the weight room. Despite the ongoing learning curve, Sawvel expressed optimism about Bangoura's potential, asserting, “Look, his physical ability won’t be a hindrance for him becoming a good player here at Wyoming.”