LARAMIE – The moment was not too big for Desman Hearns.
 
Wyoming's starting nickel back finished with eight tackles, a pass breakup and forced a fumble to prevent a touchdown during the 31-6 loss to No. 20 Utah last Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.
 
When Jay Sawvel was scouring the portal for talent last winter, the Southern Illinois safety's performance during a 2024 loss at BYU – the physical Hearns had three tackles (1.0 tackle for loss) and a pass breakup – caught the head coach's eye.
 
A year later, Hearns is establishing himself as a high-level Mountain West player in the middle of UW's defense.
 
"He's a great player coming up from FCS. A lot of times it gets a bad rap but some FCS players are just as good as some of the great (FBS) players and he's one of those players," UW wide receiver Charlie Coenen said. "It's definitely nice to have our defense get some stops. It gives us energy as an offense. Seeing him go out there and do what we know he can do is great."
 
Sawvel, who has coached some outstanding nickel backs, including Keyon Blankenbaker, Keonte Glinton and Wrook Brown, is bullish on Hearns.
 
"I think Des has maybe a chance to be the best of that (list) because he's the most physical and probably has the best burst of them," Sawvel said. "Keonte and Keyon weren't as physical. They were more third corner-ish and Wrook was more safety-ish. I think Desman has a better combination of all of it."
 
Hearns had 85 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries the past two seasons for the Salukis. He was named FCS freshman All-American honorable mention by Phil Steele in 2023.
 
After competing at both safety spots during spring practice, Hearns won the starting nickel job during fall camp.
 
"I mainly played safety (at SIU). The nickel spot is a little different because you're closer to the box and there's more stuff happening," Hearns said. "It's a challenge but I was able to step up to the plate and take on that challenge."
 
When asked what he was looking for after entering the portal, Hearns simply says: "A school to welcome me with open arms and somewhere I could come in and compete and play."
 
Hearns already had a relationship with UW safeties coach Jason Petrino, who was the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at SIU in 2023.
 
But there were no guarantees made during the recruiting process.

In fact, the Pokes also added transfers Justin Taylor (Wisconsin), Jaden DaCosta (Portland State) and Brooklyn Cheek (Cal) to compete with returning safeties Andrew Johnson and Jones Thomas and nickels Caleb Merritt and Malique Singleton.
 
"It was very competitive," Hearns said. "I give credit to all those guys because they were the ones who all helped us out and competed every day."
 
Johnson had 12 tackles and recovered the fumble Hearns forced, and Thomas added eight tackles against the Utes. The tandem won the starting jobs at the safety positions occupied by Wyett Ekeler and Isaac White for the better part of three seasons.
 
"One of our big focuses this offseason was leveraging football and effort," Johnson said. "I don't think anyone is going to question the defense's effort. We're always going to bring it. …
 
"We've brought in a lot of guys to increase our depth. I think you're seeing that."
 
Hearns and the Cowboys will face another onerous Big 12 test against Colorado this Saturday at Folsom Field (8:15 p.m., ESPN).
 
"We played well in the first half against Utah but in the second half we didn't play well. We have to clean up the little details and get into the film room and study," Hearns said. "We can't raise our level of play or lower our level of playing because we're playing Colorado. We have to keep it even."
 
Follow Ryan for more stories on Wyoming athletics on X at @By_RyanThorburn on Facebook at Wyoming Athletics and Instagram at wyoathletics. Also follow him at Pokes Insider at Gowyo.com/pokesinsider.
 
Don't just watch the game — change it. The most powerful way to support University of Wyoming student-athletes is by joining the Cowboy Joe Club. Your membership fuels scholarships, provides essential resources, and helps Cowboys and Cowgirls succeed both in the classroom and in competition. Your gift is not just support — it's access. As a member, you'll enjoy exclusive benefits that bring you closer to the action than ever before. Be a champion. Join our team. Visit CowboyJoeClub.com or call 307-766-6242.