Casper standout Wilson learning on the fly

“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 UW 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, especially true freshman Cassh Maluia.

“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.”

Practice notes

Bohl described Thursday morning’s practice in War Memorial Stadium as “workman-like.” UW is putting the finishing touches on camp and also preparing for Northern Illinois.

Bohl said true freshman kicker Cooper Rothe made all of his field goals and extra points. Bohl also said sophomore starting right guard Kaden Jackson injured a knee, but later returned.

Thursday was UW’s final two-a-day session of camp, and Bohl moved the afternoon practice to evening so players could get used to playing under the lights, since the Northern Illinois game starts at 8:30 p.m.

Roullier honored

Senior offensive lineman Chase Roullier was named to the 2016 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list Thursday.

The award is in its 47th year of existence, having begun in 1970 by the Rotary Club of Houston to honor NFL coach Vince Lombardi. The award began as a way to honor interior line positions. Later, the award was expanded to include linebackers and tight ends as candidates. This year, candidates are allowed from all position players who have displayed outstanding performance on the field and exhibit great leadership qualities.

Roullier was one of 158 college football players who made this year’s watch list.

Roullier was named to the 2016 Preseason All-Mountain West team in voting by conference media members, and earned second team All-MW honors as a junior in 2015 in voting by conference head coaches and media. Roullier has started 28 career games, including the last 27 consecutive.

Roullier is also an outstanding student, majoring in mechanical engineering. He is a three-time Academic All-MW selection. A guard most of his UW career, Roullier is expected to start at center this season.