COWBOYS OFFENSE <\/p>\n
WR\u201411 Michael Fitzgerald 6-6 210 Gr. <\/p>\n
WR\u20148 Jaylen Sargent 6-2 185 Sr. <\/p>\n
SB\u20143 Deion DeBlanc 5-10 185 Fr. <\/p>\n
TE\u201484 John Michael Gyllenborg 6-5 251 Sr. <\/p>\n
LT\u201470 Rex Johnsen 6-5 296 So. <\/p>\n
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LG\u201478 Wes King 6-5 315 Jr. <\/p>\n
C\u201479 Jack Walsh 6-3 314 Sr. <\/p>\n
RG\u201472 Caden Barnett 6-5 320 Sr. <\/p>\n
RT\u201463 Braylon Jenkins 6-4 314 Fr. <\/p>\n
QB\u201412 Kaden Anderson 6-4 230 So. <\/p>\n
RB\u201422 Sam Scott 6-2 227 Sr. <\/p>\n
After averaging 20 points in the first seven games, the Cowboys moved offensive coordinator Jay Johnson to analyst and promoted receivers coach Jovon Bouknight to play-caller. Bouknight is a former standout receiver for the Cowboys who returned to his alma mater as an analyst last year after stints with Marshall, Kentucky and Oregon. He was bumped up to receivers coach in January. In his first game as OC, the Cowboys beat Colorado State 28-0. But they have averaged 5.7 points the three games since. QB Kaden Anderson is a pocket passer with a quick release (averages 2.85 seconds from snap to throw) and strong arm. He is most effective on play-action throws. But those deceptions are limited because two of the top three running backs \u2014 Samuel Harris and Terron Kellman \u2014 are listed as \u201cout\u201d on the availability report. The Cowboys\u2019 fastest receiver, slotback Chris Durr, won\u2019t play. Anderson averages 3.1 yards on non-sack scrambles and keepers. On run-pass options, Travis Sims (no relation to the UH running back) or Mason Drube replaced Anderson. But Sims recently suffered a season-ending injury. The O-line\u2019s strength is the trio of interior blockers (50.1% of the rushes are through the middle). Guards Wes King and Caden Barnett sometimes set up in a two-point stance. Tight end John Michael Gyllenborg was named to sports guru Bruce Feldman\u2019s \u201cFreak List 25\u201d for his strength (500-pound squat), speed (21.6 mph) and anti-gravity powers (37-inch vertical jump). Gyllenborg has not relinquished a sack this season nor been penalized during his Wyoming career. Gyllenborg also is 3-for-3 in converting third-down catches into fresh downs. \u201cThat\u2019s a testament to the staff calling the right play and putting me in good spots, and the quarterback delivering good balls,\u201d Gyllenborg said. \u201cWhen the ball gets into my hands, I\u2019ll do everything I can to get that first down.\u201d Gyllenborg, who grew up in Kansas City, is a fan of the area\u2019s two favorites \u2014 Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and barbecue sauce. \u201cI\u2019ve been perfecting my ribs and briskets,\u201d Gyllenborg said. \u201cThere\u2019s definitely an art to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
COWBOYS DEFENSE <\/p>\n
DE\u20145 Larry Wilson 6-5 253 Sr. <\/p>\n
NT\u201494 Ben Florentine 6-1 282 Sr. <\/p>\n
DT\u201497 Lucas Samsula 6-4 306 So. <\/p>\n
DE\u201440 Tyce Westland 6-5 241 Sr. <\/p>\n
WLB\u20149 Brayden Johnson 6-3 248 Sr. <\/p>\n
MLB\u20146 Evan Eller 6-0 230 Gr. <\/p>\n
NB\u201412 Desman Hearns 6-0 190 Jr. <\/p>\n
CB\u201420 Dainsus Miller 5-10 181 Sr. <\/p>\n
FS\u201423 Jones Thomas 6-2 200 So. <\/p>\n
SS\u20143 Andrew Johnson 6-1 208 Sr. <\/p>\n
CB\u20148 Tyrese Boss 5-11 190 Fr. <\/p>\n
In his second year orchestrating the 4-2 defense, Aaron Bohl \u2014 son of retired head coach Craig Bohl \u2014 has built a defense with playmakers at all three tiers. Up front, Ben Florentine is a brawler who tries to reset the line of scrimmage with double-thrusted moves. Against Fresno State, he relocated the center and guard to clear a path to make a stop on the running back. Florentine, who initially joined the Cowboys as a 218-pound walk-on, is now 282. The elder Bohl described Florentine as \u201cmustard gas\u201d because of his toughness. Florentine leads with seven tackles for loss, including five sacks. The Cowboys often show a pre-snap, two-deep zone. Andrew Johnson or Jones Thomas will break toward the flats while the other will stay put in a one-high coverage. Thomas, who has 37 solo stops, uses his speed and low leverage to target a ball-carrier\u2019s hips for midsection tackles. Mike linebacker Evan Eller and will \u2019backer Brayden Johnson are interchangeable in fitting run gaps, flexing into coverage or moving up to the side of a D-end to pass rush or set the edge. Eller, who began his career at VMI, has surpassed 300 career tackles. Johnson leads the Cowboys with 76 tackles this season. \u201cThat\u2019s what you want to do playing linebacker,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cYou want to make a lot of tackles. It\u2019s a good time.\u201d Johnson grew up in Ringling, Okla., a town of 869 named for John Ringling, the founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Johnson played both ways on a high school team with 30 players. He played at Division II Oklahoma Baptist before transferring to Wyoming. \u201cI was grateful for the opportunity there,\u201d he said of OBU \u201cThey gave me a chance to play college football.\u201d Johnson and Eller have formed a linebacker tandem. Johnson made an interception in the end zone in a 10-0 shutout of Akron, and scored on a 65-yard pick-6 against San Jose State. Eller tipped the pass that ricocheted off a teammate\u2019s helmet and \u201cthe ball landed in my hands,\u201d Johnson said of his first college TD.<\/p>\n
COWBOYS SPECIALISTS <\/p>\n
KO\/P\u201418 Bart Edmiston 6-0 200 So. <\/p>\n
PK\u201447 Erik Sandvik 6-1 200 So. <\/p>\n
H\u201443 Gavyn Helm 6-3 214 Fr. <\/p>\n
LS\u201452 Carson York 6-1 219 Sr. <\/p>\n
KR\u20143 Deion DeBlanc 5-10 185 Fr. <\/p>\n
PR\u201419 Charlie Coenen 6-0 194 Jr. <\/p>\n
After serving a two-year apprenticeship under kicker John Hoyland, Erik Sandvik earned the starting point- scoring job. Sandvik attempted only two kicks as a backup in high school. But he impressed at the Cowboys\u2019 summer camp, eventually earning a walk-on invitation. Sandvik made five of his first six this season, but then wasn\u2019t summoned for three games and missed two 50-yarders against San Diego State. He has connected on one FG in five attempts the past six weeks. The Cowboys have blocked three kicks this year, and Deion DeBlanc has scored on a 73-yard punt return.<\/p>\n
RAINBOW WARRIORS OFFENSE <\/p>\n
WO\u20149 Jackson Harris 6-3 205 So. <\/p>\n
SB\u20145 Pofele Ashlock 6-2 185 Jr. <\/p>\n
LT\u201452 Dean Briski 6-5 300 Jr. <\/p>\n
LG\u201458 Zhen Sotelo 6-2 310 Sr. <\/p>\n
C\u201457 Ethan Spencer 6-2 295 Jr. <\/p>\n
RG\u201459 Kuao Peihopa 6-3 290 Sr. <\/p>\n
RT\u201470 James Milovale 6-6 320 Sr. <\/p>\n
SB\u20148 Tama Uiliata 5-11 190 Fr. <\/p>\n
WO\u20141 Brandon White 5-8 170 Jr. <\/p>\n
QB\u201412 Micah Alejado 5-10 180 Fr. <\/p>\n
RB\u20140 Cam Barfield 5-7 185 Jr. <\/p>\n
Despite last week\u2019s difficult performance against UNLV \u2014 zero catches (two drops) in four targets \u2014 slotback Pofele Ashlock remains as one of the top aerial weapons. He has converted on 17 of 18 third-down catches; five of his seven red-zone receptions were in the end zone. Similar to Kealoha Pilares\u2019 2009 season, Ashlock is a convincing run-off receiver whose decoy routes draw a second defender away from wideout Jackson Harris. Against UNLV, the players switched spots, confusing the Rebels and freeing Harris as the slotback to break away for a 70-yard TD. Quarterback Micah Alejado was held to two appearances in the first 10 games during his true freshman season in 2024. That allowed him to compete in the final two regular-season games without exceeding the four-game limit to redshirt. Alejado went 11-for-12 in relief against Utah State, threw for 469 yards as a starter in the 2024 finale against New Mexico, and entered this season as a second-year freshman. By freezing QB Luke Weaver\u2019s 2025 season after the first four games, he can redshirt this season, play in the Hawaii Bowl (redshirt limits don\u2019t apply to the postseason) and retain his junior status in 2026. Titan Lacaden, who was held to three games this year, will be used Saturday and in the Hawaii Bowl while qualifying for a redshirt this season. It has been a long-term relationship between UH and Lacaden, who famously received a scholarship offer as a fifth grader in 2017. Lacaden eventually starred at Saint Louis School, helping to lead the Crusaders to the Open Division state title in 2024. \u201cI\u2019m trying to be great at simple, and taking my game to the next level, and that\u2019s by doing the little things,\u201d said Lacaden, who rotates between receiver and running back. \u201cMost of the little things come from off the field.\u201d Lacaden also has benefited from UH strength\/conditioning coach Bobby Thomas\u2019 program. \u201cIt\u2019s different ways of lifting,\u201d Lacaden said. \u201cIt\u2019s not just your basic squat, dead-lift or bench. Just a lot of dynamic movements that can really translate to the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
RAINBOW WARRIORS DEFENSE <\/p>\n
DE\u201451 Lester Lagafuaina 6-4 240 So. <\/p>\n
DT\u201479 De\u2019Jon Benton 6-2 270 Gr. <\/p>\n
NT\u201477 Jamar Sekona 6-2 275 Sr. <\/p>\n
DE\u20145 Tariq Jones 6-2 245 Sr. <\/p>\n
DLB\u20143 Jalen Smith 6-0 220 Sr. <\/p>\n
MLB\u201417 Giovanni Iovino 6-1 235 Gr. <\/p>\n
NB\u20144 Elijah Palmer 5-8 180 Jr. <\/p>\n
CB\u201414 Jaheim Wilson-Jones 5-11 175 Sr. <\/p>\n
CB\u201424 Devyn King 5-11 175 Sr. <\/p>\n
S\u20141 Peter Manuma 6-0 205 Sr. <\/p>\n
S\u20148 Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen. 6-1 170 Sr. <\/p>\n
For the third time in four years, the Warriors lost a play-making linebacker to a season-ending injury. The Warriors will be without Jamih Otis, who is the top run-stopper (34 in-the-box, non-sack tackles on rushes), play-caller and on-field coach. \u201cJamih is the foundation of our defense and the Lion\u2019s Den,\u201d said Giovanni Iovino, referencing the collective nickname of the linebackers. \u201cTo lose him hurts. \u2026 It means us guys have to step up.\u201d Iovino, a San Diego transfer and Otis\u2019 teammate at Las Vegas football power Bishop Gorman High, ascends to No. 1 mike linebacker. Jalen Smith, who plays on the weak side, becomes the on-field assignment manager. Smith and Wynden Ho\u2018ohuli also can slide to middle. Smith is capable of bench-pressing 350 pounds, back-squatting 550 pounds, and sprinting 22 mph. But Lions Den coach Chris \u201cCB\u201d Brown and defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman lauded Smith more for his open-field tackling, change-of-direction moves, and coverage skills. \u201cI give a lot of credit to Coach CB,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWhen I first came here (three years ago), I was just an athlete. I was \u2018see ball, get ball.\u2019 Every day Coach CB helped me sharpen my skills.\u201d Last year, Thurman told Smith he would play dime linebacker. \u201cWhen I hear \u2018dime,\u2019 I\u2019m thinking DB,\u201d Smith said. \u201cI\u2019m thinking I\u2019m switching positions. But Coach CB let me know it\u2019s basically a (weak-side) linebacker.\u201d Bart Scott, whom Thurman coached with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets, played dime linebacker. Saturday night marks the final regular-season game for four interior D-linemen. Jamar Sekona, who transferred from USC last year, made a remarkable recovery from three injuries to his left knee to start in this year\u2019s opener, make UH\u2019s first tackle, and play 10 of 11 games. \u201cI was supposed to come back midseason to late season,\u201d Sekona said. \u201cIt\u2019s been nothing but a blessing and a great opportunity.\u201d Of Sekona\u2019s 14 stops, 3.5 have been in the backfield, the rest in the tackle box.<\/p>\n
RAINBOW WARRIORS SPECIALISTS <\/p>\n
PK\/KO\u201417 Kansei Matsuzawa 6-2 200 Sr. <\/p>\n
P\u201419 Billy Gowers 6-1 205 Fr. <\/p>\n
LS\u201433 Jack Mowrey 6-3 240 So. <\/p>\n
H\u201418 Caleb Freeman 6-0 185 Sr. <\/p>\n
KR\u20140 Cam Barfield 5-7 185 So. <\/p>\n
PR\u20148 Tama Uiliata 5-11 190 Fr. <\/p>\n
In nine of the Warriors\u2019 11 winning seasons since 2001, a slotback has been the primary punt returner. It makes sense because slotbacks are sure-handed and required to catch in congested areas. It is why Tama Uiliata has followed the paths of Chad Owens, Davone Bess, Greg Salas and Cedric Byrd. \u201cTama is so diverse in what he can bring to us,\u201d receivers coach Jared Ursua said. \u201cHe\u2019s caught passes. He\u2019s thrown passes. He\u2019s smart., He understands football. He makes the right plays.\u201d UH\u2019s average start is the 29 on Uiliata\u2019s 24 fair catches, the 33 on his eight punt returns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"COWBOYS OFFENSE WR\u201411 Michael Fitzgerald 6-6 210 Gr. WR\u20148 Jaylen Sargent 6-2 185 Sr. SB\u20143 Deion DeBlanc 5-10…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":560717,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2026],"tags":[35159,7],"class_list":{"0":"post-560716","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-editors","9":"tag-football"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/115626989708905166","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=560716"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/560716\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/560717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=560716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=560716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=560716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}