LARAMIE – Wyett Ekeler was flattered to be included on this year's "Freaks List" published by the Athletic.
 
The senior free safety said there's an even better athlete joining him in Wyoming's secondary this season.
 
Keany Parks, currently on track to start at cornerback, was a three-time long jump state champion in Wisconsin.
 
The speedy sophomore jumped 24 feet in high school. UW All-American Kareem Mersal jumped 24-5 ½ to take 11^th in the 2024 NCAA Indoor Track & Field championships.
 
"That is the twitchiest man I've ever seen," Ekeler said of Parks, who was clocked at 21.97 mph during summer workouts.
 
Parks, who was the No. 2 overall recruit from the Badger State coming out of high school in Kenosha, Wis., attended UW's football camp two years ago and committed to Craig Bohl on the spot … as a running back.
 
But after not being able to pack enough extra weight on his 6-foot-1 frame leading into his true freshman season, Parks agreed to make a position switch to cornerback.
 
Now instead of competing in a crowded backfield that includes Harrison Waylee, DJ Jones, Sam Scott, Jamari Ferrell and Dawaiian McNeely, the Cowboys are counting on Parks to lock down the cornerback spot opposite Tyrecus Davis.
 
"The coaches thought I could help out our defense and be a spark on that side," Parks said. "The transition was definitely hard, it was tough, and I had to get things down mentally, physically. In the end it all worked out. I'm so excited."
 
Through seven practices, Parks has been riding in the front seat on the roller coaster with the first-team defense.
 
During the first day of fall camp, Parks jumped a route and intercepted quarterback Evan Svoboda. Cornerbacks coach Benny Boyd has been consistently praising his talented pupil throughout the grind.
 
However, head coach Jay Sawvel was not pleased with the team's effort level during the first half of Tuesday's practice. And this was after a disappointing effort by Parks on Monday.
 
"Look, he's got a lot of ability. He's got good size, a good mindset and he's willing. He loves to take coaching," Sawvel said of Parks. "Some players you give them a day off and they're not real good the next day. That's what happened is we had Sunday off, and I didn't think he was very good (Monday) and (Tuesday) he was better. But he better be good (Wednesday). That's where we're at."
 
Parks was combative and competitive with the wide receivers throughout Wednesday's practice and came down with another interception.
 
Ekeler, free safety Isaac White and nickel back Wrook Brown gave Parks pep talks after his bad start to the week.
 
"They told me to shake it off and just get better from it. I think that's what I did," Parks said. "I bounced back, and they're a big part of it. They're very knowledgeable, and I can ask them about anything, life or football, they've been here a long time and it's just good to have them."
 
Despite making the quick change of direction from offense to defense after last year's fall camp, Parks was able to get on the field in 12 games as a key special teams contributor.
 
Taking part in Bohl's last ride and the Pokes' nine-win campaign was important for Parks.
 
"The biggest part of being on special teams last year was just traveling and being with the guys and being behind those older guys and learning what to do so I wouldn't be behind this spring and would already have a foot forward," Parks said. "It gave me a lot of confidence that they trusted me in my freshman year."

Sophomore Ian Bell, who was getting the first-team reps in the spring, is making his way back from a foot injury and still has time to make a push for the starting job. Redshirt freshman Naz Hill and freshman Tyrese Boss have missed some time with injuries early in camp. Caleb Merritt is making the transition from wide receiver to cornerback.
 
Parks is ready to make another big jump to form a dynamic duo with Davis.
 
"Tyrecus is a great leader. I think he brings all the young guys behind him along. He's a great teacher," Parks said. "Me and him were putting in work all summer and this is what we've been waiting for. It's good to see it all coming together."
 
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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