Wilson impresses Cowboy coaches at linebacker
LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - Logan Wilson has everything you want in an outside linebacker.
Now, the University of Wyoming redshirt freshman just has to show it.
"He's 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, runs a 4.6 40 and is one of our best tacklers," third-year UW coach Craig Bohl said. "He's still learning, but there are certain things you can't coach."
Wilson, a Casper Natrona graduate, is still learning because this is his first year playing linebacker. Wilson was a cornerback at Natrona, and was recruited to Wyoming as a safety last season. Wilson redshirted in 2015, and spent most of his time playing on the scout team.
UW moved Wilson to weak-side linebacker - also known as the WILL - during the spring. He came out of spring drills as the starter, and has kept it as UW is eight days away from its season-opener against Northern Illinois.
"I definitely feel a lot more comfortable. Having gone through spring and doing more linebacker drills helps get your body used to playing linebacker," Wilson said.
But playing linebacker is more than just about drill work. UW defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Steve Stanard said things like being "assignment sound" and "gap responsibility" are areas Wilson continues to learn.
UW seems to be banking on Wilson getting those things down because of his physical abilities.
"He can really run and has a natural ability to find the football," Stanard said. "He's got some wiggle to him and is a blitzer we haven't had."
That could pay dividends, as UW had just 10 quarterback sacks last season, and only one by a linebacker.
Learning the skills to play linebacker after being a defensive back is one thing, but for Wilson, learning UW's 4-3 scheme is another challenge.
"There's a lot to learn," Wilson said with a smile. "Last year, I learned the defense for two to three weeks and then played on the scout team. In the spring, we didn't install as many defenses as we have now.
"It's definitely different from high school. There are a lot more fits, and there's a lot more athletic people at this level. It's not easy, and it's something you have to spend some time with, but it's not impossible."
Wilson has shared snaps during camp with sophomore Adam Pilapil, who played safety last season.
Stanard has been pleased with some of the newcomers during camp.
"We are in a position now where we are starting to get some quality depth," Stanard said. "Now, it's a matter of how quickly they can come around."
___
Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com