Wyoming Finds Its Spark in Terron Kellman Despite Air Force Loss
- Jeff Bugher
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
LARAMIE, Wyo. - With the loss last Saturday against Air Force (1-5 heading into the game), there were still some positives. One of those positives was transfer running back Terron “Ron” Kellman, who shone bright in the Colorado Springs sunshine. When Wyoming needed sparks against Air Force, Kellman delivered.
Kellman, who transferred to Wyoming from Charlotte during the offseason, turned nine carries into 83 yards and two touchdowns (a new career record), averaging 9.2 yards per carry. Through eight games, the 5-foot-8, 210-pound Maryland native has 170 carries for 837 yards (4.9 YPC) and five touchdowns, establishing himself as an efficient and dynamic back in a large stable of quality running backs.
Jeff Bugher with PokesNews.com had the chance to interview running backs coach Gary Harrell on Monday. Gary said Kellman’s performance last Saturday wasn’t surprising to say the least.
“I think he’s performing well. I think he’s proven that he’s a guy that we can depend on,” Harrell said. “He’s shown he’s able to make the big plays… once he’s in, he’s shown the things he can do with the ball in his hands. And I think he’s a great, great compliment to Sam Harris.”
Harrell praised more than Kellman’s stat line. What gets Kellman on the field, he said, are the details fans don’t see.
“Just things that surround that part is his eyes when it comes to protections. That’s what helps him get into the game,” Harrell explained. “But Ron… he’s a great leader in the running back room, and leads by example. He plays hard and he wants to compete. The way he finishes on his runs is very impressive.”
The Rotation. The Hot Hand. Sam Harris’ Role.
Harrell was clear that Sam Harris remains RB1, which is why he received more early touches against Air Force, despite a rough go during the game. But Kellman’s production was obvious.
“We’re going to try to get Harris going early just because he’s RB1,” Harrell said. He added that the goal is still balance: “Once we get him going, then we have a rotation where Terron gets in.”
And yes, the Cowboys will ride the hot hand.
“If they’re averaging four yards, making big plays… then that could be extended,” Harrell said. “They know if you’re in rhythm, we leave them in.”
A New Offensive Direction
Wyoming’s new offensive chapter began this week, as Javon Bouknight was selected to handle coordinator duties, while former OC Jay Johnson remains on staff and involved. Harrell confirmed the staff was informed during the Sunday meeting following the Air Force loss.
“I was notified on late Sunday afternoon when head coach Jay Sawvel addressed us in a staff meeting, and he informed us that he's trying to figure out what's best for the players,” Harrell said.
Harrell really wanted to emphasize a team-first mentality amongst the coaching staff.
“It’s a collaboration amongst the staff… we always try to make sure we put the program first,” he said, noting that Johnson has remained professional and engaged. “He does a good job as far as doing what’s best for the team, for the program, and for the players.”
As for Bouknight, Harrel is excited.
“I’m very excited… I think he’s ready for the opportunity,” Harrell said. “Sometimes you just get into a different groove, a little bit more creativity, and just try to generate some juice.” After all, Bouknight is the person who let Harrell know that Wyoming was looking for a running backs coach. A friendship between the two was made while Harrell was still at Colorado in the same role.
Wyoming didn’t use the term “interim” with Bouknight. A UW source told me the wording is “taking over offensive coordinator duties”.
Back to Kellman’s Moment last Saturday
Harrell’s general feedback was very pointed: keep feeding playmakers.
Harrell really likes what he sees from Kellman, including what he brings to Wyoming in his vision, burst, toughness, leadership, and energy.
“He wants to compete,” Harrell said. “And he’s shown he’s able to make the big plays.”
*Terron Kellman was unavailable for an interview for this story due to a scheduling conflict.
Jeff Bugher is a third-generation Wyomingite living in Casper. He is an amateur sportswriter and Wyoming Cowboys/Cowgirls enthusiast who is a member of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA ) and the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). Jeff's work has been cited by Sports Illustrated, one of the world's leading sports publications.
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