LARAMIE – Offensive linemen are a different breed.
 
Typically, they don't care about being in the spotlight and remain intensely loyal in a transfer portal era.
 
Wyoming's offense should be dramatically improved this season, and it all starts with the foundation in the heart of the O-line where Jack Walsh is moving from right guard to center and Caden Barnett from right tackle to right guard.
 
"It feels good, I love it," Walsh said of the change. "I think I was meant to play the center position. You get to be in the middle, quarterback the O-line so to speak, and get guys going in the right direction. It's just another position I get to add to my arsenal. It will be the fourth position I get to play in a game, so that will be awesome."
 
Walsh appeared to be a natural calling out the protection and snapping to the quarterbacks during spring practice. Junior Luke Sandy gives the Pokes a solid backup plan at center and provides depth at guard.
 
Barnett, a 6-foot-5, 320-pound senior, can use his brute strength to help restore the Cowboys' run game as offensive coordinator Jay Johnson seeks balance.
 
"I think I'm built for it more. I'm more of like a power guy. I mean, I can bring out the finesse, but I'm not known for that. It's fun just to be able to run through people and I love pulling," Barnett said. "I just want to run through somebody. That's my favorite part of football is the violence, so it's like run through somebody's face full speed and make them scared the next time they see me coming."
 
Wes King, who has developed into an outstanding left guard, gives UW a dominant trio to anchor the unit.
 
"Having me, Caden and Wes on the inside has been really nice," Walsh said. "The tackle position is up for grabs. There are about four or five guys that have an opportunity to play and we've made that clear to them and it's really up to them if they want it."
 
Rex Johnsen, who played well when given opportunities last season, is the leading candidate to replace Barnett as the starting right tackle. The 6-5, 307-pound junior made spot starts in UW's wins over Air Force and Washington State.
 
"I knew my ability, I just had to show it once I got out on the field," Johnsen said. "Once I started that first game and started getting reps in, I started getting my confidence building up. I felt like I just kept getting better and better. I've got to keep building on that."
 
Jake Davies was thrust into the starting lineup at left tackle when classmate Nathan Geiger was injured nine snaps into the 2024 opener at Arizona State. During spring practice, Davies remained at left tackle while Geiger sat out as a precaution while completing recovery from the torn ACL.
 
The two large sophomores – Davies is 6-7, 295 pounds and Geiger is 6-5, 295 pounds – will compete for the starting job again in fall camp.
 
Head coach Jay Sawvel and offensive line coach Joe Tripodi are also high on redshirt freshmen Giovanni Panozzo (6-5, 301) and Braylon Jenkins (6-4, 308). Fall camp will be critical for the staff to identify the top eight to 10 offensive linemen they trust to play ahead of the Aug. 28 opener at Akron.
 
"A lot of these young tackles showed a lot this spring," Walsh said. "Me and Barnett really challenged them to see how much they truly love this game and if they want to really want to play come Akron time. There's a lot more work to be done, some weight to be gained, and we'll take care of that. I'm definitely excited about them."
 
Two talented sophomores, Brandt Rice (6-5, 300) and Quinn Grovesteen-Matchey (6-6, 310), will be back from injuries when summer workouts begin May 26. Junior college transfer Josiah Petaia (6-3, 296) will also be a factor in the competition at tackle.
 
Spencer Rathbun, the son of standout former UW center Rob Rathbun, is one of several young prospects coming off a redshirt season. The Pokes will also welcome four true freshmen offensive linemen from the 2025 recruiting class.
 
"We've got a great competition in the room. Nothing is set in stone yet for the offensive line," Johnsen said. "We're going to have a much more winnable O-line this year."
 
There was never a doubt after last season's disappointing performance the senior offensive linemen, who are on the short list of most respected leaders in the locker room, would return to get the Cowboys back on track.
 
"I love Wyoming," Barnett said. "I just love that pride. As offensive linemen you should be loyal. I think that's one of my (best) attributes. Me and Jack have a tight bond, and we love to play together. …
 
"I think we have a really tight bond and we know where we want this program to be. We're vocal about it and we're not afraid to tell people what we want to happen and what should happen for the Cowboys to be successful."
 
(Editor's note: This is the fourth in an eight-part series reviewing UW's position groups. Wednesday's review: Tight ends).
 
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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