Wyoming’s Offensive Roster and the Journey of Evan Svoboda: A Season of Promise

As the Wyoming Cowboys gear up for their season opener against Arizona State, all eyes are on the team’s offensive lineup. One of the most anticipated elements is the debut of running back DJ Jones, a transfer from North Carolina. Jones, who spoke to media members during Cowboy Media Day on August 14 at the team’s indoor practice facility, has shown immense promise and has been praised for his athleticism and toughness. With two top senior running backs currently injured but expected to return soon, Jones’s role becomes even more critical. The team will rely on incumbents Ferrell and Scott from last season to support Jones in the backfield, making for a dynamic and potentially explosive running game.

The quarterback position is another focal point for the Cowboys. Evan Svoboda, who ran the ball against Texas during last season’s game in Austin, Texas, is set to lead the team. Svoboda shared a laugh with tight end John Michael Gyllenborg at Media Day, showcasing the camaraderie and chemistry that could translate into on-field success. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Svoboda is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong running game and a powerful arm. Many see similarities between Svoboda and former Cowboy and current Buffalo Bill, Josh Allen. While Svoboda embraces this comparison, he is also keen on creating his own legacy with the team.

The offensive line returns four starters and is expected to be a strong point for the team, especially with a new quarterback at the helm. Redshirt freshmen Geiger and Davies competed fiercely for the starting left tackle position, with Geiger ultimately being chosen for his consistency. King, a sophomore who started all 13 games last season, remains a key component of the offensive line. At the center, Nofoafia Tulafono, with 36 career games under his belt, is expected to anchor the line. Returning starters Walsh, Johnsen, and Conn will also be crucial for the team’s success, providing the stability and experience needed to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes.

The receiving corps has seen some changes as well. Brown has been named the starting receiver over Pelissier due to his consistency and speed. Pelissier, who has been waiting for a larger role in the team’s offense, believes that the new system gives receivers more opportunities. Sargent and Stevenson have also received praise and will be important for the team despite their limited collegiate experience. Boddie, in his second season with the Pokes, will need to step up and contribute more as a starting slot receiver. King, a young player from Houston, is expected to see his first collegiate action, adding another layer of depth to the receiving unit.

Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg, a junior, will have a bigger role in the team’s offense this season. His close connection with Svoboda could be a game-changer, providing a reliable target for the quarterback. Gyllenborg’s ability to block and catch passes makes him a versatile asset in both the running and passing games. As the season progresses, his performance will be closely watched, especially in critical situations where his experience and skills can make a significant difference.

Evan Svoboda’s journey to becoming Wyoming’s starting quarterback is nothing short of remarkable. A native of Mesa, Arizona, Svoboda finished the 2023 season with a win in his home state, helping the Cowboys secure an Arizona Bowl title. His path to Wyoming was not straightforward; he graduated in 2021 when recruiting was limited due to the pandemic and eligibility freezes. This resulted in fewer opportunities for high school graduates to be recruited. Instead of going straight to a university, Svoboda chose to play at Snow College, a junior college, where he continued to hone his skills.

During his time at Snow College, Svoboda maintained communication with Wyoming, who had been interested in him during his high school years. However, there were not enough scholarships available at the time. A year later, with two quarterbacks transferring out of Wyoming, the team quickly reached out to Svoboda. His persistence and relationships with the coaching staff eventually paid off. After winning the Arizona Bowl, Svoboda is now the starting QB, ready to lead the team into the 2024 season. His strong running game and powerful arm make him a dual-threat quarterback, a valuable asset in today’s college football landscape.

Svoboda’s return to Arizona as a starting quarterback for Wyoming is a special moment for both him and his team. He was a leader at Red Mountain High School and impressed during his senior year in 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Wyoming fans in attendance at the game against Arizona State will undoubtedly be excited to see their local hero in action. Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham recognizes Svoboda as a significant threat due to his ability to both throw and run well. Dillingham emphasizes the need to account for Svoboda’s direct runs as a quarterback, rather than just zone reads, making the game plan against him particularly challenging.

New head coach Jay Sawvel has high hopes for Svoboda and the team. Sawvel believes that Svoboda has the potential to make the team extremely good, even though there will be a learning curve as Svoboda only started one game as a sophomore. However, Sawvel is confident that Svoboda has enough talent around him to excel. Wyoming’s goal this year is to win against a power 4 team, much like they did against Texas Tech in 2020. Last season, the Cowboys had a program high of nine wins and a bowl victory over Toledo, setting a high bar for the upcoming season.

The defense, led by players like Jordan Bertagnole and Braden Siders, boasts eight returning starters. Safeties Isaac White and Wyett Ekeler, brother of NFL player Austin Ekeler, also play key roles. With such a strong defensive lineup, the team is well-balanced and poised for success. Sawvel’s goal for his first year as head coach is to continue pushing the program forward. Wyoming has made a bowl appearance for the past three years, and a postseason appearance this year would mark the first four-year bowl streak in program history. The ultimate aim is to win a Mountain West Championship, a feat achieved by Craig Bohl in the past.

As the season opener against Arizona State approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Both teams will need to be at their best to succeed in this highly anticipated game. For Wyoming, the combination of a strong offensive line, a promising running back in DJ Jones, and a dual-threat quarterback in Evan Svoboda creates a potent mix. The team’s first game this year is a significant test, and Sawvel and the Cowboys are ready to take on the challenge. A strong performance in this game could set the tone for a successful season, filled with opportunities to break through and achieve even greater success.

In conclusion, the Wyoming Cowboys are entering the 2024 season with a sense of optimism and determination. The offensive lineup, led by new talents and seasoned players, looks promising. Evan Svoboda’s journey from high school standout to starting quarterback is a testament to his resilience and skill. With a solid supporting cast and a strong defensive unit, the team is well-positioned to make a significant impact this season. As they face Arizona State in the season opener, the Cowboys have the opportunity to set the stage for a memorable and successful year. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this talented roster performs under the leadership of Jay Sawvel and the dynamic play of Evan Svoboda.