Late Bloomer, Big Impact: How Michael Fitzgerald Became a Wyoming Weapon

Jeff Bugher
23 hours ago
3 min read

Updated: 19 hours ago

Michael Fitzgerald catches a touchdown at AF. Photo by Ian Cadena, PokesNews.com Photographer

LARAMIE, Wyo. - University of Wyoming wide receiver Michael Fitzgerald didn’t arrive in Laramie with the typical trajectory of a Division I wide receiver.

The 6-foot-6, 210-pound graduate transfer didn’t even make a catch in the first four contests. Since then, Fitzgerald has produced nine receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns over Wyoming’s last five games.

Prior to Wyoming, Fitzgerald spent time at Central Missouri and UMASS.

The Bouknight Connection

Fitzgerald said the primary reason he chose to transfer to Wyoming can be summarized in two words: Jovon Bouknight. A name we’ve heard a lot about recently, and Pokes fans know from his playing days at Wyoming.

“It was really, after talking to Coach Bouknight, watching film with him on my visit, I just knew he was a great coach and someone I wanted to play for,” Fitzgerald said. “So it was really Coach Bouknight and talking to him.”

Bouknight’s style clicked instantly.

“It was kind of just the way he saw the game and the way that he saw the receiver position. It just kind of aligned with how I saw it perfectly,” Fitzgerald said. “As soon as I started talking to him… I could tell that he was somebody that I would want to play for.”

With Bouknight now elevated to offensive coordinator, Fitzgerald admitted he’s eager to see what comes next.

“Oh yeah, I’m definitely excited… especially what we can do with these next couple of games,” he said. “Some of the stuff he’s been putting in, it’s been exciting.”

Setback in 2024

Fitzgerald suffered an injury last year at Central Missouri.

“I actually broke my leg last year, right before the season started, and had surgery on August 31st,” he said. “I played the last six games of last season at basically 75 to 80%.”

The injury was significant.

“I had chipped my femur in a practice… and I basically wasn’t 100% until I got up to Wyoming,” he said.

Change isn’t something new to Michael. Fitzgerald revealed to PokesNews.com that he only began playing wide receiver during his senior year of high school, after playing quarterback earlier.

“I didn’t start playing receiver until my senior year,” he said. “I was playing QB for my whole life… and it was during COVID. So that was just a big part of my life.”

His Favorite Wyoming Memory

With Senior Day approaching, Fitzgerald didn’t hesitate when asked what his top Wyoming moment has been.

“I think my greatest memory would just be the CSU game, the fans rushing the field, and to win it how we did against a rival,” he said.

That moment also carried personal meaning. Fitzgerald transferred to Wyoming the same season a close friend and former teammate from Central Missouri, offensive lineman Liam Wortman, transferred to Colorado State.

“We texted… he was just like, we need to get a picture and stuff after the game,” Fitzgerald said. “And the fans rushed the field. We couldn’t even get a picture… it was so crowded. I couldn’t find him.”

Climbing Out of a Slump

Fitzgerald admits his transition to Wyoming wasn’t entirely smooth.

“I came in, you know, like pretty hot in fall camp… and I kind of hit a low,” he said. “I had to dig myself out of that.”

A conversation with head coach Jay Sawvel changed everything.

“I talked with Coach Sawvel one day,” Fitzgerald said. “He was just encouraging me to be who we all knew I was and be confident in myself… that showed me the coaching staff didn’t just give up on me. That really motivated me.”

A Reliable Playmaker

Fitzgerald’s Wyoming statistics reflect a player who has maximized every opportunity. He’s only recorded stats in the last five games:

• Nine receptions

• 146 receiving yards

• 16.2 yards per catch

• Three touchdowns

• Games with TDs: San Jose State, Air Force, Colorado State

• Season-long catch: 35 yards vs. San Jose State

He’s become a trusted target in the Cowboys’ evolving offense, proving to Sawvel and the coaching staff that Fitzgerald has become more confident and believes in himself.

As his graduate season nears its end, Fitzgerald has a lot to be thankful for, including memories.

“That was probably my greatest memory here,” he said of the CSU win. And with the way he’s playing, it may not be the last one he creates.