Wyoming Cowboys’ Top 10 Returning Players in 2024 Include Harrison Waylee, Shae Suiaunoa

Craig Bohl wrapped up his decade-long tenure at Wyoming, leaving the program strong as he stepped into retirement. Under his leadership, the Cowboys became a consistent postseason contender, making bowl appearances in six of the last seven seasons, excluding the pandemic-affected year.

Thanks to a solid core of veteran players, the team is well-positioned to continue that success.

Following his highly successful run at North Dakota State, Bohl’s early years at Wyoming were challenging. The Cowboys struggled initially, posting a 6-18 record in his first two seasons. However, once his approach took hold, the program gained momentum, stringing together winning seasons. The shortened 2020 campaign is the only losing season Wyoming has experienced in the last eight years under Bohl’s guidance.

The program is now in Jay Sawvel’s hands. He’s the 33rd head coach in Wyoming’s history. Sawvel has been with the program since February 2020, serving as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach before stepping into his new role.

Under Sawvel, Wyoming is expected to be much of the same: A defensive-minded team with sound tacklers who rally to the football and offensively control the line of scrimmage and want to establish the run.

Sawvel welcomes back a veteran group in 2024.

So, who are the top returning players for Wyoming in 2024?

Wyoming Cowboy’s Top 10 Returning Players In 2024

10) Devonne Harris, DE

The Cowboys expected a lot out of Devonne Harris in 2023, as he was part of a loaded defensive front. While he had a solid 2023 season, there is room for a breakout 2024 campaign.

In 2023, Harris started all 13 games, showcasing his impact on defense and special teams. He recorded 35 tackles, including four for loss — all of which were sacks.

Harris also contributed significantly in the passing game, registering eight quarterback hurries and four passes defended. Additionally, Harris recovered a fumble and blocked two kicks, further highlighting his versatility and playmaking ability.

9) Wes King, OG

Wyoming’s offensive identity is controlling the line of scrimmage and being able to throw with a clean pocket after establishing the running game. That starts up front, and Wes King is a significant part of the front offensive unit.

King started all 13 games for Wyoming last season, positioned between Nofoafia Tulafono and former left guard Frank Crum, who is currently in fall camp with the Denver Broncos.

King joined the Cowboys alongside offensive line coach Joe Tripodi, allowing both to develop together over the years.

He helped pave the way for running back Harrison Waylee, who surpassed 100 rushing yards in four games, including a standout 191-yard performance against New Mexico. King’s protection also enabled quarterback Andrew Peasley to throw for 140 yards or more in nine games, with a season-high 319 yards against Hawaii.

King’s contributions were instrumental in Wyoming ranking among the top 15 nationally in fourth-down conversion percentage, converting 66.7% of their attempts. The Cowboys’ offensive line was recognized for its strong play, earning a spot on the midseason Watch List for the Joe Moore Award, which honors the top offensive line unit in the nation.

Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 304 pounds, King has become a key fixture on the offensive line.

8) John Michael Gyllenborg, TE

John Micahel Gyllenborg has the chance to emerge as one of the top tight ends in the country in 2024 and should be selected in the NFL Draft.

As Gyllenborg heads into his junior season with Wyoming, he’s set to take over the starting tight end position following an impressive sophomore campaign. Last year, serving as the backup, he made the most of his opportunities by hauling in 23 catches for 360 yards and three touchdowns.

With Treyton Welsh now graduating and pursuing a career with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, Gyllenborg is ready to step into the spotlight.

Gyllenborg’s athletic journey is unique — he didn’t pick up football until his senior year of high school. Despite his late introduction to the sport, he has shown remarkable athleticism. He clocked a laser-timed 40-yard dash at an impressive 4.69 seconds and recorded a vertical leap of nearly 36 inches.

These metrics surpass the average performances of tight ends at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, underscoring Gyllenborg’s exceptional physical potential as he steps into a more prominent role for the Cowboys.

If the Cowboys want to have a more balanced offense and include more of a passing game, Gyllenborg should be a massive weapon in 2024.

7) Sebastian Harsh, DE

Sebastian Harsh is another big piece for the Cowboys’ defensive front, poised to set the tone for the unit in 2024.

In 2023, Harsh made his mark on the Cowboys’ defense, appearing in 12 games and starting in eight. Harsh finished the season with 50 tackles, split between 30 solo and 20 assisted. He was the team’s leader in tackles for loss, racking up nine, and contributed three sacks.

He can disrupt the running and passing games and could have a breakout 2024 season.

6) Wrook Brown, NB

While the defensive front creates pressure and clogs running lanes for the Cowboys, their secondary takes advantage of quarterbacks under pressure and makes plays on the football.

Wrook Brown is a massive part of this Cowboys’ secondary in 2023, appearing in 12 games and starting 11 at the nickel position. He racked up 47 tackles, with 34 solo efforts and 13 assists.

Brown was a playmaker in the secondary. He led the team with three interceptions, which placed him sixth in the conference. He also contributed four pass breakups and forced a fumble during the season.

Brown’s standout games included a season-high eight tackles against Portland State and Boise State.

5) Jack Walsh, RG

Walsh, a 6’3″, 313-pound native of Illinois, emerged as a critical player for Wyoming last season, starting all 13 games at right guard. Walsh was named the top interior offensive lineman on the College Football Network’s Mountain West IOL Rankings 2024 list.

After redshirting in 2021, Walsh debuted in 2022, playing 11 games and earning two starts. His strong performance during fall camp last year secured him the starting right guard position, where he quickly became a fixture on the offensive line.

Now entering his fourth season in Laramie, Walsh has developed into the Cowboys’ offensive line leader. The unit faces the challenge of replacing only one full-time starter, left tackle Frank Crum.

Walsh created running lanes for Harrison Waylee, who rushed for over 100 yards in four games, including a standout 191-yard performance against New Mexico.

4) Jordan Bertagnole, DT

Jordan Bertagnole enters the 2024 season with plenty of recognition, having been named to the preseason All-Mountain West team and the Shrine Bowl Preseason Watchlist. He also earned a spot on the Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist, which honors college football’s top defensive player.

Bertagnole started all 13 games in 2023, earning second-team All-Mountain West honors. He was a force on the Cowboys’ defense, finishing with 60 tackles, the fifth-highest on the team, and leading the squad with 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

His impact extended beyond tackles — he also forced a fumble, hurried the quarterback six times, and broke up two passes.

Bertagnole’s consistency was evident, as he recorded multiple tackles in every game but one. He is among the most significant contributors to this tough Cowboys’ defensive front.

3) Wyett Ekeler, FS

Wyett Ekeler is the leader of a talented Wyoming secondary. In 2023, Ekeler was a key player for the Cowboys, appearing in all 13 games and starting 12. His efforts earned him an All-Mountain West honorable mention. He was also named the MW Defensive Player of the Week after a standout performance in Wyoming’s victory over Nevada.

Ekeler finished the season as one of the team’s top defenders, ranking third with 77 tackles, including 49 solo and 28 assisted. He added 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks to his stat line, along with two interceptions — one of which he returned for a touchdown against Nevada.

Ekeler also tied for the team lead with seven pass breakups, and his knack for creating turnovers was evident with two forced fumbles and one recovery.

2) Shae Suiaunoa, MLB

Shae Suiaunoa is the leader of a tough Cowboys defensive unit. He has sideline-to-sideline speed, can fill running holes, and defends well in pass coverage.

Suiaunoa was a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense last season, starting all 13 games. He was the team’s second-leading tackler, racking up 93 total stops and 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception. His consistent play ranked him 10th in the Mountain West with an average of 7.2 tackles per game, and he reached double-digit tackles in three games.

One of Suiaunoa’s most notable performances was the victory over Texas Tech, where he set a career-high with 12 tackles. Heading into the new season, Suiaunoa’s standout efforts earned him a spot on the preseason watch list for the prestigious Butkus Award, which recognizes the top linebacker in the country.

1) Harrison Waylee, RB

For Wyoming, offensively, it starts with the ability to run the football. And while the offensive line is formidable and very important, you need a capable ball carrier. And that begins with Harrison Waylee.