The team didn’t seem distracted after the announcement came Wednesday that defensive end Corey Orth and linebacker Adam Barry, both redshirt freshmen and both backups, left the team for personal reasons. And, that senior receiver Donate Morgan was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.
The fact that none were major contributors, although Orth played in all nine games and started one, was one reason. And I get the feeling the players and obvisouly the coaches knew about this prior to Wednesday’s announcement.
The loss of Orth hurts the most just becasue there isn’t a lot of experience and depth along the defensive line right now. And looking ahead to next season, Orth would have been one of the few guys returning with experience.
Barry just didn’t seem to fit in anywhere on the field. He was a quarterback who moved to linebacker in fall camp. He was a likable guy who seemed to get along well with his teammates, but wasn’t going to be in the mix at quarterback and from my vantage point didn’t have the speed to play defense.
This is Morgan’s second suspension this season and I would be shocked if he returns. He had been relegated to the scout team the last month or so.
One thing is certain, when Dave Christensen says he won’t comment on players who are no longer with the team, he means it. He didn’t elaborate about the three players after Wednesday’s practice. But it wasn’t for a lack of trying.
See Thursday’s paper for more on this story, along with my column on Saturday’s game at San Diego State being UW’s biggest test of the season so far. There also is a story on how the Cowboys’ secondary plan to bounce back this week after burned for 312 yards and four touchdowns in last Saturday’s 52-0 loss to No. 22 Brigham Young.
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The Cowboys seemed to have a good practice Wednesday. Like they have every week, they are constantly working on things — new and old — on offense, defense and special teams.
After three straight losses where UW was outscored 84-10, new is good.
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UW continued to use several combinations at linebacker as sophomore inside starters Brian Hendricks and Gabe Knapton continue to be slowed with sprained ankles. One player I expect to see more playing time is true freshman Ghaali Muhammad. He has been a backup on the outside and a special teams standout all season. I think he will play defense a lot at San Diego State, and I think he will play well.
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I will live blog again this week for the San Diego State game. I will go live at 7 p.m. but probably will have to cut it short because of a very, very tight deadline to try and get something into Sunday’s paper. Still, please join me at http://wyomingcowboysblog.com/2009/11/10/uw-san-diego-state-live-blog/
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Robert, just to let you know I appreciate the blog. As you might expect, we don’t get much UW news in Missouri, so this is a refreshing addition. Thanks.
Thanks Brad, I appreciate your comment and interest in the blog. — RG
Robert
Why did two players leave the football team, and why was one suspended again, and what players are being recruited that are from Wyoming? Thanks!
Hi Steve,
I don’t have anything specific or solid on why the two players left. The Orth thing is odd because he was playing. Barry just didn’t fit in and I get a feeling when Hendricks and Knapton suffered ankle injuries and UW started shuffling guys around and Barry wasn’t among the mix he saw the writing on the wall. Barry is a great kid and maybe a fit some where, but it didn’t seem like it was here.
Back to Orth. His buddy who signed here with him was kid from a small town in Colorad. Sorry, the name escapes me now. But he wasn’t happy here and perhaps he followed him to Northern Colorado or to some other smaller school. Again, that is speculation and nothing I have hard facts on.
As for the suspension, I hear it was off-the-field related and personal. Nothing like missing class or arguing with a coach. More could come down the road but I really don’t see Morgan coming back to the team.
As for recruiting, UW has the verbal from Drew Martinez from Green River and they have looked at Austyn Woodward from Sheridan. Those are the only two that I know of that are getting serious looks for this year.
As always, thanks for the comment. — RG
Sadly, I guess Colorado State has more interest in Wyoming players than the current regime. Lots of luck to Burman in future fund raising.