Smith’s special impact
WyoSports
Braden BOISE,
Smith’s time to shine as a defensive back for the University of Wyoming football team hasn’t arrived yet.
But the redshirt freshman, who attended Lakewood High School, has shined on special teams. Smith has played on all four specialteams units this season, although he is a backup when the Cowboys punt the ball.
Smith has only five tackles, but numbers don’t tell the full story of his importance.
“I like it a lot and it is fun to run around out there and make plays,” Smith said. “I’m trying to get on the field any way possible. I know (special teams) is the start of building to be on the field on defense.”
Smith said his best tackle on special teams came in the Oct. 28 home game against New Mexico. He hit the Lobos’ punt returner just as he caught the ball.
His most memorable block was when he helped spring sophomore Austin Conway for an 18-yard return Sept. 30 against Texas State.
“I looped around and I got him good,” Smith said with a smile. “I lost my shoe after that. I didn’t care. I was screaming and just pumped up.”
Fourth-year Cowboys coach Craig Bohl said Smith’s impact on special teams is part of building the type of program he wants.
“As our depth has gotten better, you look at those coverage and protection groups. I think we’ve been solid. You couldn’t say that a couple of years ago,” Bohl said.
“On the flip side, a guy like Braden has done well. He has embraced special teams. That is your typical MO — a special-teams guy that is young, athletic and competitive, but not playing a ton of scrimmage downs, so their role is to contribute in that area.
“With time, they emerge into their positions, but they start by thriving on special teams.”
Smith has alternated between cornerback and safety this season, but has settled at cornerback as the season wound down to provide more depth.
Injury report.
Junior right guard Kaden Jackson (knee) won’t play in Friday afternoon’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl game against Central Michigan. Jackson was injured in the regular-season finale at San Jose State on Nov. 25.
Sophomore Gavin Rush will start in place of Jackson. Rush started four games at left guard and two at right guard this season. He started all 14 games last season at left guard.
Junior Cole Turner will be the No. 1 backup at both guard positions, as well as at center.
Redshirt freshman guard Jace Webb (concussion) didn’t make the trip. Sophomore wide receiver John Okwoli (knee) and junior offensive tackle Brinkley Jolly (pectoral) also are out.
Sophomore fullback Jaylon Watson and senior cornerback Robert Priester suffered head injuries at San Jose State, but will play Friday.
Focus on finishing.
Wyoming wants to avoid how it ended last season — with three consecutive losses.
The Cowboys lost their final two regular-season games this year. They’re also trying to snap a two-game bowl losing streak. Their last bowl victory came in 2009.
“We’re not satisfied with just going to a bowl game. We want to be bowl champions and get bowl rings,” junior free safety Marcus Epps said. “Everyone is motivated to finish the season the right way.”
Ticket sales.
Athletic director Tom Burman said via text message Thursday morning that Wyoming had sold about 1,800 tickets for the bowl game. The requirement for each team was 2,500.