Sawvel Demands Toughness as Spring Ball Continues

Jeff Bugher
Apr 18
3 min read

Updated: Apr 21

Ben Florentine (94). Photo by UW Athletics

LARAMIE, Wyo — Head football coach Jay Sawvel isn’t shy about his expectations. As the Cowboys wrapped up their 10th spring practice on Monday, Sawvel spoke again about toughness, development and depth — while acknowledging there's still work to be done as the team heads toward the spring game on April 26.

“We came back, we had an emphasis on hitting a good finish with a live goal line period,” Sawvel said after practice. “The offense was at a little bit of a disadvantage because they’re without all three of their interior people… but that’s part of it. Nobody’s going to care in a game who the center is when the ball’s on the one-yard line.”

Sawvel said the team got valuable reps.

“They needed what they got today — got their *** whipped on the goal line. The group that was in there got their ***** whipped, and they needed that.”

The defensive front, bolstered by size and experience, stood out. Sawvel praised linemen like Dante Drake, who has added significant weight and strength since last season.

“Dante Drake was 275-ish last year — now he’s 290,” Sawvel said. “Jayden Williams finished last year at 270; now he’s 306.[Lucas] Samsula’s over 300. We’re different. That was by design a couple of years ago in recruiting.”

Another player drawing attention on the rise is offensive lineman Rex Johnson.

“Rex has come a long way from where he was a year ago,” Sawvel said. “If I were to say, ‘What’s our winning offensive line?’ — Rex would be in that category. [Jack] Walsh would be. [Caden] Barnett would be. [Wes] King would be.”

He singled out linebacker Gary Rutherford as well: “Hell on wheels. That’s what Gary Rutherford is.”

Quarterback Progress and Receiver Depth

Quarterback Kaden Anderson earned even more praise from Sawvel, who said he’s “on a really good streak right now. He’s spinning it pretty good,” adding that overall throwing and catching has improved.

On the outside, the receiver room is beginning to emerge with more depth and consistency. “Bryson Brantley’s getting better. He’ll run all day and work his *** off,” Sawvel said. “He made some catches in traffic over the middle the other day that were really encouraging.”

Sawvel also noted development from Jaylan Bean and Jaylen Sargent, and praised Jackson Holman for his “real level physical blocking” and “very good hands.”

“We are a far better offensive football team than we were this time last calendar year,” Sawvel said.

Transfer Portal Impact

Sawvel noted the program is still navigating needs.

“We still have work to do. Look, the head coach has work to do recruiting-wise on certain things,” he said. “But I think you can kind of see the seeds of something that could be a pretty good group.”

The portal has also given to Wyoming.

That includes additions like defensive back Brooklyn Cheek, a transfer from a Pac-12 program.

“He is a very good athlete… he’s got four years of eligibility left,” Sawvel said. “His family’s buying a house in Laramie. He loves it here. This place fits him better than the one he was at.”

Defensive Growth

Sawvel highlighted defensive improvements, especially from the secondary. “Desman Hearns played well the other day,” he said. “Jones Thomas continues to show up — very athletic, explosive. The lights are on for him now.”

With transfers and maturing returners making strides, Sawvel said this group has a different look and speed.

“When you look at Justin Taylor, Desaman Hearns, Jones Thomas, Brooklyn Cheek — that’s a faster, longer group than what we had previously.”

Kicking Confidence

Special teams wasn’t left out. When asked about redshirt sophomore kicker Erik Sandvik’s range, Sawvel responded confidently: “Pretty good. I’m in a good spot with him.”