On National Letter of Intent Day 2.0, the Pokes added just one scholarship player to their roster after signing 21 players during the early December signing period. That player? Defensive tackle Mario Mora out of Covina, California (Charter Oak HS). Here are three quick takes on his signing.
1. You Can Never Have Too Many Defensive Lineman
With most of the recruiting class signed in December and things being pretty quiet in terms of info with the January and February recruiting front, I figured Bohl and his staff would be after another defensive lineman if they could find one. Mora fit that bill and will be a welcome addition to the defensive line room along with the 3 d-linemen signed in December. You saw it at the end of last season and many years in the past where the Cowboys have been short in terms of numbers along the defensive line. Coach Bohl and his staff are now getting those numbers up so Wyoming can start building some depth at the position and be better prepared for those inevitable late-season injuries in the defensive trenches.
2. Ideal Frame And Weight
At 6-3 and 255 pounds, Mora already has a good frame and weight to work with to meet the desired height and weight ratio for a D-1 defensive tackle. Too many times in the past, Wyoming has had to take on undersized projects as a necessity and that left the Pokes at a disadvantage. Once the newly hired strength coaches from LSU get a hold of Mora this summer or fall in Laramie it will not take him long to be ready for playing time on the field.
3. Mora Understands Technique
Evaluating film of high school players can often be challenging because you don’t know the level of competition and superior players can often just use their athleticism to their advantage. More certainly has athleticism and size but his highlight videos also shows a player who understands his position. Mora plays smaller than he is which is very good for a defensive lineman because it displays he understands leverage. He uses this understanding to quickly shed blocks and make plays which is something that can be carried to any level of football.