The University of Wyoming football team reviewed the status of its defensive line following spring practice, according to an April 28 report. Head coach Jay Sawvel and his staff discussed player recoveries, depth chart changes, and expectations for the upcoming season.
The update is significant as the Cowboys have faced several injuries among their defensive tackles in recent seasons. Caleb Robinson and Dante Drake both missed extended time due to Achilles tendon ruptures, impacting the team’s performance on the field.
“Unfortunately, it’s something I’ve had to do two times now, but it’s part of it,” Robinson said about missing games while recovering from injury. “It’s all about your perspective. Me and Dante used to talk about that in the locker room a bunch when we first started during spring ball.” Sawvel said he did not want Robinson or Drake participating in team drills this spring for safety reasons. He described being present when Drake suffered his injury last summer: “When you see a guy you really have a strong appreciation for sitting on a training room table crying because he knew what just happened to him, it kills you. It absolutely kills you,” Sawvel said. “The only thing you can do is stay with the guy in the moment and help him. But he has come back with a great attitude. He’s 302 pounds and he’s going to be really good. He was a good player in ’24 and we missed him badly last year.” Both players are expected to be healthy entering summer workouts.
Defensive tackles coach Deonte Gibson assessed new talent this spring as other players competed for rotation spots due to injuries elsewhere on the roster. Murray State transfer Ja’Quan Redfern, Alex Haswell from Sheridan, and freshman Tanielu Maafala-Barbasa were among those who impressed Gibson during practices: “I’ve been able to get a pretty good (evaluation) on everyone,” Gibson said.
Sophomore Tegen Seeds gained experience after being moved from offensive line last year amid an injury crisis at tackle: “We appreciate the fire right now,” Gibson said regarding Seeds’ growth over his first calendar year at defensive tackle.
Defensive ends coach Brian Hendricks added three veteran transfers—Thaddeus Gianaris (Dartmouth), Jack Dunkley (Duquesne), and Donnie Wingate (Southern Illinois)—to strengthen edge rushing options. The trio combined for 35 sacks at their previous schools before transferring: “There’s a lot of experience in the room… That’s kind of what we’ve done here as far as the defensive end room,” Hendricks said.
Looking ahead, coaches expect more recruits will join over summer workouts while some injured players return for fall camp. Despite recent setbacks with injuries limiting available bodies this spring, Gibson believes that if development continues as planned, Wyoming’s defensive line could become one of its strengths this season.
