Dear Taven Bryan from Casper, WYOMING - Natrona County

[DocHolliday]

Dear, Taven.

I hope you are well young man...and I hope your head is clear, because what I'm about to tell you makes more sense than anything you may have heard previously.

I understand that you have given a verbal commitment to The University Of Florida?

Nice school, nice weather, nice program that has won a lot of games.

But Taven, are you REALLY going to do this?

You are a WYOMING bred and WYOMING raised boy.

The bucking Bronc is in your blood and it is a part of your DNA, son.

Question: Did you watch last Saturday's game against Nebraska?

Did you not well up with pride as the only 4 year college in this great sanctuary we live in slugged their way against the mighty Corn for all 4 quarters...with the outcome in doubt right down to the very last play of the game?

For the life of me I cannot understand how you would ever not want to grow up wishing and wanting to proudly put on the BROWN & GOLD colors of WYOMING Football.

These are not just our WYOMING COWBOYS...they are YOUR WYOMING COWBOYS, probably much more so than most people, because you grew up here, you understand the meaning of; 'Cowboy Tough'.

Forget Florida.

WYOMING is in your blood.

This is YOUR state.

And that team that plays in Laramie is YOUR team, son.

You have an opportunity to make a mark, to set a standard, to help to build something special here, in your own backyard to boot!

You go to Florida you are nothing more than a link in a very long chain...and you could actually get lost in the process eventually as well.

You're a WYOMING kid, and you're WYOMING tough.

After you stop reading this well intended message I want you to go look at yourself in the mirror.

See that young man looking back at you?

That ain't no Gator looking back at you, Tavon.

Stop with the charade.

Who are you really kidding.

Look again at that guy in the mirror.

That's a COWBOY staring back at you.

Do the right thing.

Tell everyone you're staying here.

Tell them down in Gainesville that you tried really hard to think of yourself as something else...but in the end.

You cannot fool the man in the mirror.

Admit to them that that young man in the mirror is a Cowboy.

A WYOMING COWBOY.

See ya in Laramie next year.

And, thank you, son.

We're all proud of you.

[Slow Hand]

Ha ha this makes me laugh.

[DocHolliday]

Ha ha this makes me laugh.

I hope in a good way!

[dapokes]

I really wish. He could be a huge part of the climb this program is about to take.

[cowboyz]

It's a nice plea, but I think it'd have a little more bite if we had won the game. I don't know Taven, but he could just be thinking "let me get out of here and see another part of the country and play for a coach and a fan base that would be pissed if we lost to Nebraska". I have never seen a coach and fan base so happy after a loss, me included. It's only sinking in now that we gained 600+ yards and lost. We have a coach that's a quitter, who also pulls dumb ass trick plays out of his ass when we don't need them, that backfire. Plus, our players probably don't get boosted as well as Florida's. If Taven changes his mind and decides not to go to Florida, he won't be coming to Wyoming. Good luck kid!

[dapokes]

Plus WYO can't match all those $EC bidding wars!! (joking in this instance...but seriously...that TAMU wr who's dad came out and let everyone know some school offered Tens of thousands of dollars for his son's commitment)

[J-Rod]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMQhWEw0x4M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[WYO1016]

Good plea, Dino. I couldn't imagine leaving the state to play somewhere else if you were born and raised here. If I had even a shadow of a doubt that I could have played D1 football Wyoming would have been my ONLY choice when I was in high school!

[Slow Hand]

Fellas, it isn't like this kid wasn't recruited by Wyoming. Let the young man live a little. I know when I graduated I wanted to get the hell out of here and see other places. can you really blame the kid. Hmmm lets see here play in the MW or the SEC? Play in the cold or in the tropics? Wyoming women or Florida women? it is really kind of a no brainer.

[The Virginian]

Egos are powerful things. I'm not saying that Bryan is committed to Florida because of his ego, but the grass could look awfully greener in Florida, particularly in Winter. If anyone convinces Bryan to stay in Wyoming it will have to be his friends and family. Unfortunately, our passion, as express on this board, will probably have little effect on him. If the Pokes have a steller year, it might change his mind. But I doubt it. It's Florida, afterall.

[McPeachy]

Taven will be in Laramie on September 13th (Friday) when Natrona plays Laramie - in the event anyone going to the UW vs. UNC game is in town.

[whyoh]

fify

[JimmyDimes]

I love to visit tropical locations, but don't think I could live in one. People underestimate the change in seasons. Can't blame the kid for going to Florida and you can't blame fans for wanting him to play at Wyoming.

Go Pokes!!

[whyoh]

saw this kid @ arbys a couple weeks ago....dude's built like a brick poop

[stymeman]

not to mention, he's going to ride alot of pine at Florida...stay where you're welcome and belong, nice writeup Dino!!!

[aranderson]

He would definitely be a great snag for us if he somehow changes his commitment. The more kids from Wyoming the better. BUT....I however also believe by him going to Florida and "potentially" getting some playing time or even becoming a starter it will open up the recruiting trail to Wyoming a little bit more and the hidden gems that Wyoming produces will starting popping up more and more.

[djm19]

Players in NFL

Wyoming (5)
PLAYER TEAM POSITION
Malcom Floyd San Diego Chargers Wide Receiver
Tashaun Gipson Cleveland Browns Defensive Back
Chris Prosinski Jacksonville Jaguars Safety
Mitch Unrein Denver Broncos Defensive Tackle
John Wendling Detroit Lions Safety

Florida (31)
PLAYER TEAM POSITION
Ahmad Black Tampa Bay Buccaneers Safety
Jon Bostic Chicago Bears Linebacker
Andre Caldwell Denver Broncos Wide Receiver
Riley Cooper Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver
Jermaine Cunningham New England Patriots Defensive End
Carlos Dunlap Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End
Matt Elam Baltimore Ravens Safety
Josh Evans Jacksonville Jaguars Safety
Sharrif Floyd Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackle
Marcus Gilbert Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Tackle
Mike Gillislee Miami Dolphins Running Back
Rex Grossman Washington Redskins Quarterback
Joe Haden Cleveland Browns Defensive Back
Percy Harvin Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver
Will Hill New York Giants Safety
Jaye Howard Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle
Maurice Hurt Washington Redskins Guard
Jelani Jenkins Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Lerentee McCray Denver Broncos Linebacker
Ray McDonald San Francisco 49ers Defensive Tackle
Jeremy Mincey Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Lineman
Louis Murphy New York Giants Wide Receiver
Reggie Nelson Cincinnati Bengals Safety
Maurkice Pouncey Pittsburgh Steelers Center
Mike Pouncey Miami Dolphins Center
Jordan Reed Washington Redskins Tight End
Brandon Spikes New England Patriots Linebacker
Caleb Sturgis Miami Dolphins Place kicker
Deonte Thompson Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver
Justin Trattou New York Giants Defensive End
Major Wright Chicago Bears Safety

[DocHolliday]

Players in NFL

Wyoming (5)
PLAYER TEAM POSITION
Malcom Floyd San Diego Chargers Wide Receiver
Tashaun Gipson Cleveland Browns Defensive Back
Chris Prosinski Jacksonville Jaguars Safety
Mitch Unrein Denver Broncos Defensive Tackle
John Wendling Detroit Lions Safety

Florida (31)
PLAYER TEAM POSITION
Ahmad Black Tampa Bay Buccaneers Safety
Jon Bostic Chicago Bears Linebacker
Andre Caldwell Denver Broncos Wide Receiver
Riley Cooper Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver
Jermaine Cunningham New England Patriots Defensive End
Carlos Dunlap Cincinnati Bengals Defensive End
Matt Elam Baltimore Ravens Safety
Josh Evans Jacksonville Jaguars Safety
Sharrif Floyd Minnesota Vikings Defensive Tackle
Marcus Gilbert Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Tackle
Mike Gillislee Miami Dolphins Running Back
Rex Grossman Washington Redskins Quarterback
Joe Haden Cleveland Browns Defensive Back
Percy Harvin Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver
Will Hill New York Giants Safety
Jaye Howard Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle
Maurice Hurt Washington Redskins Guard
Jelani Jenkins Miami Dolphins Linebacker
Lerentee McCray Denver Broncos Linebacker
Ray McDonald San Francisco 49ers Defensive Tackle
Jeremy Mincey Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Lineman
Louis Murphy New York Giants Wide Receiver
Reggie Nelson Cincinnati Bengals Safety
Maurkice Pouncey Pittsburgh Steelers Center
Mike Pouncey Miami Dolphins Center
Jordan Reed Washington Redskins Tight End
Brandon Spikes New England Patriots Linebacker
Caleb Sturgis Miami Dolphins Place kicker
Deonte Thompson Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver
Justin Trattou New York Giants Defensive End
Major Wright Chicago Bears Safety

I mean so what? You printing the names of players from the two respective schools does nothing to make for a convincing argument...if you can play you can play, and scouts and the NFL will find you.

More than that you miss my point.

He's a WYOMING young man, born and bred.

He's a COWBOY - this is HIS home.

And for those with this crazy notion that Florida is somehow better than our great state?

Please!

And yes, I'll take WYOMING women over Florida women any day of the week.

[djm19]

You missed the My argument is this...

IF you want to get to the next level, Florida is a no brainer.

I get the whole home state thing. I am diehard Poke fan. If I want to play on Sundays (or get a shot), Laramie inst ideal for that. Will they find you???? Maybe. Will one be easier to find you? Yes.

I see your point and passion, but....sorry, I have to disagree. Florida is bigger, more popular and more prominent.

[WYCowboy]

You missed the My argument is this...

IF you want to get to the next level, Florida is a no brainer.

I get the whole home state thing. I am diehard Poke fan. If I want to play on Sundays (or get a shot), Laramie inst ideal for that. Will they find you???? Maybe. Will one be easier to find you? Yes.

I see your point and passion, but....sorry, I have to disagree. Florida is bigger, more popular and more prominent.

Not true! An NFL quality player has just as good a chance of being drafted at Wyoming as they do at Florida - we just don't have as many NFL quality players as the Gators do. That is why all the scouts have been watching our practices and games.