Cowboy Football Camp Comes to a Close

A 64-yard field goal flew through the goal posts, the band played "Ragtime Cowboy Joe", and fall camp for the University of Wyoming football team was complete. Coach Christensen summed up camp by saying it was productive and physical, which was why the UW staff felt three scrimmages were enough and Saturday was turned into a practice session.

Saturday's practice was all about simulating a game day atmosphere. Although the team was only in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts, music was blared to create confusion and all plays were called from the sideline.

While true-freshman Brett Smith is the clear leader in the quarterback battle, having led the No. 1 offense through the majority of training camp, Christensen says the starter will not be named until Monday, August 29, just before the Weber State game.

Starting positions seem to have been solidified for the rest of the team as Christensen said the focus is shifting to preparation for the guys that will be playing. When the Pokes take the field, the hope is for more productivity on the offensive side and higher intensity for the defense.

I certainly think that we'll be able to do a lot better job pressuring the quarterback with our guys up front this year and we've added a few new wrinkles to what we're doing.
-Coach Christensen

Senior defensive end Gabe Knapton talked about the work the defensive line has done in the past two weeks.

Pass rush is a big thing...it helps the whole team out. We've been working pass rush every day and getting more comfortable in those areas and I think it's starting to show.
-#52 Gabe Knapton

One of the few unsettled starting jobs is for placekicker and Saturday's practice ended with a kicking dual. Both true freshman Daniel Sullivan and redshirt freshman walk-on Stuart Williams kicked well, but Sullivan grabbed the highlight of the morning by nailing a 64-yard field goal to finish the day. After practice, Christensen said the job would not be won on one kick, and that the staff would continue to evaluate both kickers, who have attempted around 300 kicks throughout fall camp.

Wyoming will open the season at home on Saturday, September 3rd against Weber State.