Wyoming begins spring practice at War Memorial Stadium

Mar 22, 2012 - The Associated Press

LARAMIE (AP) -- The Wyoming football team's first spring practice lasted two and a half hours.

Wednesday's practice at Jonah Field in War Memorial Stadium was the first of two this week that are non-contact practices.

Fourth-year head coach Dave Christensen welcomed back 43 letterwinners from last year's team.

Christensen says he felt the team had a productive offseason with workouts to increase speed and strength.

A total of 73 players on Wyoming's 91-man roster are currently on campus, with the 2012 signing class scheduled to join the team this summer.

The Cowboys have a total of 15 practice days this spring, including three scrimmages.

They put on shoulder pads next Monday and then go to full pads on Wednesday.

Christensen says spring practice is a time to focus on fundamentals.

Among the returning starters on offense who return are: sophomore quarterback Brett Smith (13 starts in 2011) senior center Nick Carlson (13 starts in 2011), junior offensive guard Tyler Strong (11 starts in 2011); senior wide receiver Chris McNeill (9 starts in 2011) and junior wide receiver Robert Herron (7 starts in 2011).

Defensive starters returning this season are: senior strong safety Luke Ruff (13 starts in 2011), junior cornerback Marqueston Huff (13 starts in 2011), senior free safety Luke Anderson (12 starts in `11), senior linebacker Korey Jones (11 starts in 2011), senior defensive tackle Mike Purcell (10 starts in 2011), sophomore cornerback Blair Burns (9 starts in 2011), senior defensive end/tackle Ben Durbin (8 starts in `11) and junior linebacker Devyn Harris (7 starts in 2011).

Wyoming plays its spring game April 21.