WYOMING – It was somewhat surreal to see a Wyoming Cowboy football player mentioned as a potential first round draft pick. And, in the case of Pokes star quarterback Josh Allen, not just first round, but at least one NFL personnel director told ESPN’s Adam Schefter to “put it in the books,” Allen will be the number one overall pick in 2018.
Meanwhile, a pair of UW players were drafted over the weekend and three others also found homes in the NFL after being signed as free agents.
Running back Brian Hill was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 5th round, 156th overall. Center Chase Roullier was taken with the 199th selection in the sixth round by the Washington Redskins.
Wide receiver Tanner Gentry signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He was disappointed in not being selected in the draft. He told the Wyoming Tribune he received calls from Tennessee, New York and New Orleans right after the Bears called. He chose Chicago.
Tight end Jacob Hollister also found a home with the New England Patriots. He and his twin brother, Cody, from Arkansas, were both signed Saturday. Hollister was the Pokes third-leading pass catcher last season.
Linebacker Lucas Wacha will remain a Cowboy. The Texan signed with Dallas as a free agent immediately following the draft. Wacha’s brother, Michael, pitches for the St. Louis Cardinals. If Wacha makes the 53-man roster he and his brother would be the only sibling tandem in the NFL and MLB.
UW punter Ethan Wood was reportedly offered a tryout with the Tennessee Titans.
Five Wyoming Cowboys have been picked in the draft in the past decade. Three are still playing in the NFL. The last time Wyoming had multiple players selected in the same draft was 2014 when defensive back Marqueston Huff and wide receiver Robert Herron were both drafted.
