Adam Pilapil makes the transition from being a valuable player for the Cowboy Football program from 2015-18 to being part of the Wyoming coaching staff in 2019. Pilapil will serve as Wyoming’s Defensive Quality Control staff member in 2019.
As a senior in 2018, Pilapil was Wyoming’s most versatile linebacker, playing multiple positions. He was part of a Cowboy defense that ranked No. 19 in the nation in total defense (allowing opponents only 326.2 yards per game), were No. 25 in the NCAA in rushing defense (129.5 yards per game), ranked No. 28 in scoring defense (giving up only 22.0 points per game) and were No. 32 in pass defense (196.7 yards per game). The UW defense also ranked No. 16 in the country in fewest first downs allowed to opponents (223). Pilapil had 25 total tackles, including eight solo tackles and 17 assists, and added a pass breakup his senior season. He had a career high nine tackles in a home victory over Wofford. Pilapil recorded four tackles against both Colorado State and San Jose State, and was credited with three tackles versus Fresno State and Air Force.
In 2017, Pilapil appeared in eight games for the Pokes recording 31 total tackles. He had 15 solo stops and 16 assisted tackles, with one PBU. Pilapil recorded a season-high eight tackles in Wyoming’s home game versus Oregon. He also added five tackles against Air Force and San Jose State. He helped lead the Cowboys to an 8-5 record and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Championship. Pilapil’s defensive unit ranked No. 1 in the nation in takeaways in 2017, forcing 38 opponent turnovers. The Pokes ranked No. 9 in the country in scoring defense, allowing opponents only 17.5 points per game. UW ranked No. 1 in the NCAA in fumbles recovered (18), No. 2 in the nation in interceptions (20), No. 8 in defensive touchdowns scored (4 TDs), No. 13 in pass defense (174.9 passing yards allowed), and No. 23 in total defense (335.2 total yards allowed).
Pilapil appeared in seven games on special teams for UW during the 2016 season. He was part of a Cowboy team that posted an 8-6 record, won the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division, hosted the MW Championship Game and earned a bid to the 2016 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.
He was named to the Academic All-Mountain West Conference team four consecutive years, and was selected to the 2019 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society.
Pilapil completed his bachelor’s degree in communication in May 2018. He is pursuing a master’s degree in education at UW. His fiancée is Kayla Cryer.