LARAMIE — For University of Wyoming freshman nose guard Mike Purcell, the call to arms came during the fifth week of the season.
Sophomore Alex Stover was sidelined with a nagging groin injury, and senior Fred Givens was getting more than his share of bumps and bruises.
“Due to the Stover injury, we had to have somebody come in and step up to the plate, and he was physically ready to play in the Mountain West,” Wyoming defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery said of the staff’s decision to pull the redshirt off the 6-foot-3, 270-pound former Highlands Ranch High School star.
While the call came in the fifth week, Purcell didn’t actually see playing time until the sixth week against New Mexico.
“Mentally, he was still learning the scheme a little bit, and that’s where he had some trouble,” Montgomery said. “That’s why it took him to Week 6 to get in there. But physically he can play with those guys. He’s a strong brute and holds the point pretty well. He’s still learning the game, and so the more experience we can get for him the better for next season. The big thing about Mike is he’s done a good job. He’s doing everything we have asked him to do.”
In games against New Mexico and Air Force, Purcell recorded three tackles in a relief role for the senior Givens.
The way things have played out for Purcell has resembled that of a roller-coaster ride.
“At first, I wanted to come up here and play as a true freshman,” Purcell said.
It didn’t take him long to change his mind. After he arrived at Wyoming, he discovered that the Cowboys had four senior defensive linemen in Givens, tackle John Fletcher of Ralston Valley, end Mitch Unrein of Eaton and utility man Mike Neuhaus.
“I knew then I wasn’t going to play much, so I just decided to take the redshirt,” he said.
While several other true freshmen were seeing playing time in areas of need, Purcell was planning on using the 2009 season as an opportunity to learn the Cowboy system and get ready for next season.
That all changed in a hurry.
“The coaches pulled me aside and told me they were going to pull the redshirt because of a few injuries on the D-line,” Purcell said. “I had to step up and take the challenge . . . and it feels good.
“It has worked out really well so far. At first, I was worried about playing time, but because of the injuries and being able to do well in practice, it has been awesome to get in games and everything.”
