The University of Wyoming football program reviewed its linebacker group following spring practice, according to an April 29 update. The team is focusing on a mix of experienced transfers and homegrown players as it prepares for the upcoming season.
This review is significant because linebackers play a key role in the defense, and changes in personnel can affect team performance. The blend of new recruits and returning athletes reflects current trends in college football recruitment.
Last season’s top tacklers, Evan Eller and Brayden Johnson, were both transfers from Football Championship Subdivision programs. This spring, defensive coordinator Aaron Bohl evaluated new transfers Ethan Stuhlsatz from Lindenwood and Anthony Beavers from USC alongside returning players Dash Bauman and Gary Richardson. “There’s so much potential there with all those guys. We’ll see them battle it out,” Bohl said. He added that replacing leaders like Eller will be important for the team’s success.
Stuhlsatz aims to follow previous standout linebackers at Wyoming into professional football. “As a Mike on defense you’ve got to be that guy. You have to communicate, you have to sacrifice your breath, and I’ve definitely had to grow in that area,” Stuhlsatz said. Bauman also described his growth since joining the program: “Now I know the defense, I know the checks… my body has changed a ton, and I feel like I’m at my peak performance right now.” Head coach Jay Sawvel praised Richardson’s progress: “Gary’s in a really good spot right now… The repetitions he’s gotten in the program have really paid off now.” Beavers shared his experience moving from Los Angeles: “They’ve embraced me with open arms and helped me navigate this journey moving from Los Angeles and coming here.” Sawvel also commented on Parker Moore: “Parker is a good football player… He’s between 235 and 240 (pounds). It doesn’t take very long to look at him and (think) this guy is kind of yoked up.” On Steven Perez he said: “He was too good of a football player to not take. I think it has shown up now.”
The article notes that depth will not be an issue for Wyoming due to additional transfers such as Karson Butts as well as improvements by younger players including Parker Moore and Steven Perez.
Looking ahead, true freshman Mason Wright participated in spring drills while other recruits are expected this summer. The linebacker review is part of an ongoing series examining each position group ahead of next season.
