LARAMIE – Chris Durr Jr. is about to graduate.
 
From high school.
 
One of Wyoming's potential impact players at wide receiver enrolled early and shined throughout the team's 14 spring practices. The true freshman also finished with 12 catches for 121 yards in the Brown & Gold Game.
 
"He is a player," starting quarterback Evan Svoboda said. "He's supposed to be in high school still. For such a young guy to come in and really showcase his abilities is super impressive. You saw it – the catching ability, the late hands, his versatility, the juke moves, all of that. He's a young kid, but he's going to be something truly special."
 
The Cowboys needed an influx of young talent after losing their top three receivers – Wyatt Wieland, Ayir Asante and Ryan Marquez – to graduation.
 
Gunner Gentry, who fought back from a series of devastating injuries to catch a dramatic touchdown in the 2023 Border War win over Colorado State, is also out of eligibility.
 
Alex Brown, Will Pelissier and Caleb Cooley are now the elder statesmen in the room as new offensive coordinator Jay Johnson implements a scheme with more spread and tempo.
 
Devin Boddie Jr., another senior, is in position to have a leading role this fall after transferring to UW from Vanderbilt last year.
 
"It was an offense that we learned quickly," Boddie said of the transition under Johnson this spring. "I feel like we can move fast and be explosive and score touchdowns. Everything checks off, and I feel like everybody loves the scheme."
 
Jaylen Sargent, who has been patiently waiting his turn, is poised for a breakout season. The 6-foot-2 junior consistently made plays when given first-team reps with Svoboda.
 
"Coach (Johnson's) new offense is really fast paced, and he just has a certain fire to him," Sargent said. "That helps us go really fast during practice. I feel like they can trust me for sure."
 
Kayden LaFramboise caught the game-winning 37-yard touchdown from Svoboda in the Brown's 17-10 win over the Gold in the spring game. The 6-4 redshirt freshman from Gillette struggled in UW's first open practice but shined over the final two weeks after meeting with head coach Jay Sawvel.
 
"At his size, look, I have an expectation for him," Sawvel said. "He's a guy that, there's no doubt, I envision could be a guy that could play for us at some point in the future."
 
Justin Stevenson, another redshirt freshman, led the Brown with five receptions for 52 yards. Bricen Brantley (6-3) and Jaylan Bean (6-4) are two more lanky targets, and Texas Tech transfer Tyler King adds track speed to the mix.
 
"I feel great about our receiver room. We have a lot of talent, and we have a lot of special players and young talent," Boddie said. "Chris Durr is going to be a special player for us. I would say he's probably one of the best freshmen I've seen, especially at receiver."
 
(Editor's note: This is the fourth in a nine-part series reviewing UW's position groups. Wednesday's review: Offensive line).
 
If you are interested in learning more about NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) or would like to support our student-athletes, please visit 1wyo.org. 1WYO was created out of Wyoming's culture of neighbor helping neighbor. The mission is to promote and strengthen local charitable organizations and develop Wyoming student athletes. 
 
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