Long wait, journey finally ends for Coffman

LARAMIE – On Nov. 30, 2013, Cameron Coffman saw mop-up duty at quarterback for Indiana in a 56-36 home victory over Purdue.

But Coffman realized a change was needed earlier than that.

He was a 10-game starter in 2012 with the Hoosiers, where he was second in the Big Ten Conference in passing yards per game, completions and attempts; third in passing yards; and fourth in total offense as Indiana finished with a 5-7 record.

The coaching staff went in a different direction the following season at quarterback. Coffman played sparingly in three games, where he attempted just nine passes.

"I wanted an opportunity to start and play the game I love, but there were so many uncertainties," Coffman said.

The first was to find another school, and he did at the University of Wyoming. After sitting out last season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules, Coffman makes his first start in nearly 34 months when UW hosts North Dakota in the season-opener for both squads at 2 p.m. today at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium.

"I don't think I ever doubted my abilities," Coffman said. "I knew I had what it took. I'm just glad I found Wyoming."

And Wyoming is happy to have found Coffman.

He earned the starting job after the first week of spring drills back in March, and there was never a doubt Coffman would be UW's starter as the season approached.

Some felt that way well before spring practice.

"I feel like he's been ready since he got here," junior wide receiver Tanner Gentry said.

Coffman's game experience is an obvious plus, along with his success when he was a starter. But his intangibles also have impressed UW's coaches.

Coffman is quiet and reserved. He listens to country music before games, and while he handles the attention of being one of the primary players on a football team well, he's just as comfortable going about his business in an unassuming manner.

But don't mistake that for being soft.

"He's a pretty low-key guy, but he's also very competitive," UW offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brent Vigen said. "There's a fire that's burning inside him. That speaks to him being named a captain. A lot of weight will be carried with his words. He's not an up-and-down type of guy when it comes to his emotions.

"I think his poise is probably the thing that has become more evident the more time he's been on the field."

Coffman said he has always been like that because of the nature of the position he plays.

"When things get crazy out there, your teammates are going to look to you, and if you're in a panic, they're going to worry too," Coffman said. "I want to be steady and confident, and give them confidence to face any situation."

This season is Coffman's last chance to play college football, and perhaps the last time he will ever play the game. Coffman's earned the nickname "Indiana Jones" from his teammates, and those teammates feel like he is the right guy to lead this offense.

"I feel like he's going to open a lot of eyes," said UW senior defensive end Eddie Yarbrough, who also is a team captain this season.

"People are sleeping on Cam, but I'm excited for him to open us some of those eyes."