With the 2021 football season just days away, let’s take a look at the five most important Wyoming Cowboy players for this season to be a successful one for the Pokes. This list isn’t Wyoming’s five best players, as things such as position depth have been taken into consideration. The running back position for example is loaded and I have confidence that Wyoming could effectively run the ball with maybe up to four different running backs on the roster. Now on to the list…

 

5. John Hoyland, K

Hoyland burst onto the scene last year as a walk-on kicker and earned 2nd second-team All-Mountain West honors making 13 of 14 field-goal attempts and all 16 of his extra points. With that effort, he was placed on scholarship during the off-season and is a key Cowboy for this upcoming football season. Finding a reliable kicker can be a struggle as many past Cowboy football teams have seen. Hoyland is not only reliable but is also clutch and the Wyoming offense will count on him to be rock solid again with that red shoe.

4. Isaiah Neyor, WR

Last year we saw the athletic and play-making ability of Neyor. Wyoming struggled to get him the ball in the shortened 6 game season he only had 8 catches for 248 yards but had an eye-popping 31 yards per reception. He was basically only targeted on deep throws but someone with his size (6-3, 210) should be used in the short and intermediate passing game as well which would make his deep routes even more of a threat. Wyoming lacks playmakers in the passing game and Neyor should emerge as the number one receiving target. Tim Polasek just needs to find multiple ways to get him the ball with a minimum of five targets pergame.

3. C.J. Coldon, CB

I’m a big fan of C.J. Coldon and think he’s one of the most underrated players on this football team. The Junior from Illinois has played in 12 career games for the Pokes and has amassed 49 total tackles, 2 interceptions and 6 pass break-ups. At 6-1 and 180 pounds his a physical cornerback and fits perfectly with the defensive system, Bohl has used under several defensive coordinators now.

2. Chad Muma, LB

Muma is the leader of the Wyoming defense having stepped into that role after fellow LB Logan Wilson was drafted into the NFL. Muma ranked 2nd in the MW and 6th in the nation last year in total tackles per game at 11.8. Behind Muma are some talented players but they are a little short on the experience side and Muma will need to follow his outstanding 2020 season with similar production in 2021.

1. Sean Chambers, QB

I’ve long said that Chambers has that “it” factor and is a winner and natural leader. He just needs to stay healthy and have an offensive coordinator build a system around him that matches his skill set. If Wyoming is to reach their goals this season to contend for a division and thus conference championship there is no doubt in my mind that Sean Chambers will need to be the guy behind center.


Is there anyone on this list you would replace? With the depth on the OL, DL and at RB I thought these are the key players Wyoming needs to produce and stay healthy to have a successful 2021 season. Let me know what you think in the comments.