INSIDE SLANT
When Wyoming decided to fire coach Joe Glenn and start over with new coach Dave Christensen, it probably could have expected a false start or two.
So when Christensen made the Cowboys restart a spring practice after three periods, the message was loud and clear.
"I tried to tell these guys, you know, we will not accept mediocrity in this program," Christensen told the Casper Star-Tribune. "There is no coming out here just to get through it -- we're going to practice extremely well, or we'll start over."
It's an attitude the Cowboys need if they want to erase the memory of underachieving in the final years of the Glenn regime, including a 4-8 record in 2008.
Christensen has brought the spread offense that he used as offensive coordinator at Missouri. He retained the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme on defense that was the strength of the team in the Glenn era. The hope is that the offense becomes as formidable as the defense and gets Wyoming competing for conference championships.
The new boss has set forth in his quest by preaching physical play and practicing at an up-tempo pace. While the Cowboys have embraced his style, the change has come with a price.
Wyoming had as many as 17 players out during the final practices in the spring because of the physical play at practice. Christensen wants his players to understand that toughness is the way to victories.
"It doesn't matter how many guys we've got left," Christensen told the Star-Tribune. "I told them we could have 11 guys left (when the season starts), but those 11 guys will be ready to go to war. Those that survive will be champions."
NOTES, QUOTES
--DE Mitch Unrein has excelled, while fellow lineman John Fletcher was slowed by minor injuries in the spring. Unrein has the potential to blow up plays in the backfield, which could help Fletcher return to his 2007 form. And if that happens, opponents will have to pick their poison on the ends between the Cowboys' starters.
--Senior K Jake Scott, who attempted only eight field goals last season and missed two from 20-29 yards, has re-established himself as a weapon and could be a factor in the fall. Leg strength never has been a question with Scott; his accuracy and focus is the key. Both improved in the offseason.
--Junior S Chris Prosinki was the most consistent producer in spring ball, often collecting double-digit tackles. This year, he must become more of a leader in the secondary, but if he can persuade others to follow his work ethic, the Cowboys should play as hard as anyone in the conference.
SPRING MOVERS:
Junior RB Darius Terry -- Has taken the reins at the position vacated by Thunder and Lightning (Wynel Seldon and Devin Moore). He had concerns about the offense moving to the spread, but the coaching staff is finding several different ways of getting him the ball -- including using him in the "Wildcat" formation.
Sophomore LB Brian Hendricks -- Continues to shine in his starting role on the inside. He consistently produced big numbers in spring scrimmages, leading one session with 16 tackles.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "He is doing a nice job. Obviously, it is a lot for our quarterbacks to pick up as we install a new offense in a short amount of time. We put a lot on them, but he is managing the offense very well. We've told our quarterbacks, we don't need them to go out and win every game for us. We need them to go out and manage the game and not lose the game for us. Make good decisions throwing the football. Don't get sacked or take negative plays. If our quarterbacks can do those things, then it's going to give us a chance in almost every game." -- Coach Dave Christensen, referring to his signal-callers in general and senior Karsten Sween in particular.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL2009 OUTLOOK: The Cowboys had been a darkhorse pick the last couple of seasons because of the tantalizing potential they had. If coach Dave Christensen changes one thing about the program -- taking care of the football -- Wyoming will be competitive in the Mountain West Conference. How long Christensen will need to get his team to seriously contend for a league championship is anyone's guess, but playing non-conference games against the likes of Texas and Colorado should remove the awe factor when Wyoming goes up against Brigham Young, TCU and Utah. The physical play wasn't a question with the Cowboys before Christensen arrived, so they should adapt in the fall.
SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Welcome back, Karsten Sween. The senior regained his confidence in the spring with coach Dave Christensen's version of the spread and should run the show come fall. Statistics from the spring scrimmages showed that the quarterbacks are able to complete a higher percentage of passes than in recent years. The key is for Sween or whoever wins the job is to avoid the turnovers that have been the team's primary downfall in recent years. RBs Darius Terry and James Caraway look to be comfortable in their roles, and the Cowboys receivers, led by sophomore Brandon Stewart and junior Travis Burkhalter, also have big-play potential.
SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The line returns intact for the fall, and three of the four secondary positions also return starters. If Wyoming can get some consistency out of the LB spot, it has a chance to be as strong as it has been the last three seasons. Sophomore Brian Hendricks has big shoes to fill at inside linebacker for the departed Ward Dobbs. Senior DE Mitch Unrein looks poised to avert some attention away from DT John Fletcher. Junior Chris Prosinski is an All-Conference candidate at free safety. Brothers Marcell and Tashaun Gipson both have a year of experience under their belts at corner, which will bolster the pass defense.
SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior K Jake Scott established himself early in spring practice and appears confident heading into the season. Sophomore Austin McCoy returns as the team's punter but must improve upon the 31.6-yard net average that ranked Wyoming 114th among 119 Football Bowl Subdivision programs. David Leonard is a breakaway threat in the return game.
ROSTER REPORT:
--Sophomore QB Chris Stuzriem, who was vocal in his support of deposed coach Joe Glenn last season, quit the team at the beginning of spring practice.
--DE Dylan Kildahl left the team for personal reasons.
--WR Greg Boling will start fall camp behind after dislocating his right shoulder and missing most of the spring.
Previous Report: 03/25/2009
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