The poke hunting season begins on August 31
Nick Seeman
football
14.08.2024 16:50:00
What Jay had to say on Media Day
“It’s here, and we’ve got over two weeks left, and we’re excited about it. The season is right around the corner, and you get that feeling just being in town. It feels like a week ago we walked off the field at the Arizona Bowl. What I’m excited about is the work we’ve put in in winter training, spring training and now, and we’re a hungry football team that’s worked hard every day.”
Notes on the Pokes
Preseason Watchlists
Preseason watch lists have been released over the past few weeks and the coming weeks. So far, four Wyoming players are on the watch lists. Below is a look at who was selected.
Doak Walker Award (Best Running Back) – Harrison Waylee
Lou Groza Award (Best Kicker) – John Hoyland
Outland Trophy (Best Central Defender) – Jordan Bertagnole
All-State Wuerffel Trophy (Community Service) – Will Pelissier
Butkus Award (Best Linebacker) – Shae Suiaunoa
Bednarik Award (Best Defensive Player) – Jordan Bertagnole
John Mackey Prize – John Michael Gyllenborg
Comeback Player of the Year – David McNeely
Experience as a wide receiver
The Cowboys’ wide receiver room will feature a nice mix of new faces and veterans. The trio of Alexander Brown, Will Pelissier and Devin Boddie, Jr. have combined to play 100 games in their careers. Brown has played 39 games for the Pokes, Pelissier added 29 games. Boddie, Jr. has played 32 games in his career, including 13 at Wyoming after spending time in the SEC at Vandy.
Tight End Room
The Cowboys will once again have one of the most talented tight ends in the Mountain West, led by John Michael Gyllenborg. Gyllenborg played in all 13 games and started four times, three of which were the final three games of the season. He caught 23 passes for 360 yards and scored three touchdowns. Against Hawaii, Gyllenborg caught an 89-yard touchdown pass, the longest of his career, and the longest passing touchdown of the season for Wyoming. He finished the game against the Rainbow Warriors with a career-high 128 yards. Against Texas Tech, Gyllenborg made five catches, including the game-winning touchdown pass on fourth down in overtime.
Force ball losses
The 2023 Cowboys were one of the best teams in the nation at forcing turnovers. The Pokes forced 22 turnovers last season, ranking 26th in the nation. Wyoming recovered 11 fumbles this season, a number that ranks first in the MW and seventh in the nation. The Pokes recovered seven of last season’s 11 interceptions, led by three by nickelbacks. Wrook Brown and two of Wyett Ekeler. Wyoming also returns five of the forced fumbles, two of which were forced by Ekeler, which leads the team.
