LARAMIE – A blank whiteboard.

A year ago, Wyoming head coach Jay Sawvel pointed to one and said it was basically the defensive depth chart.

The pieces came together nicely, as UW finished the 2025 season ranked 30th in the FBS in points allowed (20.5 ppg) and 45th in yards allowed (344.3 ypg) despite the team finishing 114th in time of possession (28:21).

This year's offensive depth chart is mostly a blank slate during the first week of spring practice.

Running back Samuel Harris and tight end Jake Wilson are two talents Sawvel expects to have prominent roles in first-year offensive coordinator Christian Taylor's scheme.

There is also a strong pillar currently standing as the favorite at left tackle in returning starter Rex Johnsen.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound senior has big plans for his final season at UW.

"It has flown by. I feel like it was just a year ago I was a freshman and didn't have it figured out yet," Johnsen said after Tuesday's practice. "I love it here and I love the group of guys I'm working with right now. I'm excited for this last year to go out with one big bang."

Since Frank Crum, whose second season with the Denver Broncos included a touchdown catch in a playoff game against Buffalo, graduated, the Cowboys have struggled to find consistency at left tackle.

In the 2024 opener, Nate Geiger tore an ACL and suffered the same injury last season after winning the job twice. Jake Davies, who filled in as a redshirt freshman and sophomore, is currently making his way back from injury.

Johnsen stepped in at left tackle and played well down the stretch last season. He held his own against some elite pass rushers, most notably Trey White, a two-time All-Mountain West defensive end who registered 17.5 sacks over the last two seasons before transferring to Texas Tech.

"I learned a lot last year going against Trey White. That dude was a stud," Johnsen said. "I had some good plays against him, and he got me on some others. It makes me realize I have so much more room to improve, and I know if I want to have the season I want to have and dominate, I can play at the next level."

Longtime offensive line anchors Jack Walsh and Caden Barnett are currently working to join Crum in the NFL after exhausting their eligibility with the Pokes.

Johnsen is suddenly the longest-tenured member of the offensive line, which features a mix of developing players and three impact transfers added from the portal.

"I like to lead by example and show that I work hard and what I can do. I need to work on the vocal part a little more," Johnsen said. "Obviously, I'm not going to be yelling like Barnett, but I feel like everyone leads in their own different way. Jack and Caden were completely different leaders, but they helped me a lot as far as watching them and what to do and what not to do."

Sawvel expects Johnsen to make a "major jump" at left tackle. He has the natural gifts and work ethic to do so.

"Rex is a plus athlete on the offensive line. This is a guy that, as far as athletic numbers and skill set, is as high at the position as we've ever had here," Sawvel said. "He has a unique ability and talent. I'm excited about what he can do and what he can become."

There is plenty of blame to go around for the program's offensive struggles the past two seasons.

Tyler Hughes and Mason Drube are competing to dramatically improve the quarterback play with their dual-threat abilities. The return of a healthy Harris, coupled with the addition of transfers Markell Holman and Diore Hubbard, provides the Pokes with experience and explosiveness at running back.

Wilson is one of several dynamic tight ends looking to replace NFL prospects John Michael Gyllenborg and Evan Svoboda. Returners Deion DeBlanc, Eric Richardson and Jackson Holman, along with transfer Justin Popovich, are among the wide receivers auditioning for lead roles.

The offensive line must raise its level of consistency and physicality to help Taylor flip the script.

"The O-line needs to be dominant this year," Johnsen said. "We need to be the group that wins the line of scrimmage every day. I think we're a bunch of killers, honestly."

A year ago, the whiteboard told the story of a defense searching for answers. This spring, it's the offense staring back, unfinished but full of possibility. The rebuild won't be measured in diagrams or depth charts, but in whether players like Johnsen can turn that empty space into something sturdy enough to carry the program forward.

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.
 
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