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Woods moved from running back to defensive end

LARAMIE – Trey Woods is switching positions – again.

The University of Wyoming sophomore is moving from running back to defensive end, fifth-year coach Craig Bohl said after Tuesday's practice.

Woods was recruited to UW in 2017 as a linebacker, but switched to running back at the start of last season. Woods led the Cowboys with 493 rushing yards in 2018.

"We think he has some really good athleticism, we think he has great promise (at defensive end) and also I think it is an indication of some of the depth we've developed at running back," Bohl said.

Listed at 6-foot-3, Bohl said Woods is 218 pounds right now, "and is going to get bigger. We play with athletic defensive ends, and I thought he did some good things (Tuesday)."

Woods was cleared for full contact last week coming off a shoulder injury he suffered during the spring.

"I am sure it was a little bit of a surprise to him, but if (the move to defensive end) helps the team, that's what he wants to do," Bohl said.

UW running backs coach Gordie Haug said four running backs are in the mix to get carries this season: senior Nico Evans, junior Kellen Overstreet, redshirt freshman Xazavian Valladay and true freshman Jevon Bigelow.

"We feel like we have four guys who can play in a game," Haug said. "We feel comfortable with all of those guys. They continue to compete with each other and (are) vying for playing time.

"Who is going to get those carries right now? We don't know who is at the top is going to get a lot of carries. But I see all four guys with the chance to get carries."

Bohl said Evans has had a good offseason and camp so far. Overstreet, who was second on the team in rushing last season with 481 yards, also was cleared for full contact last week from a shoulder injury he suffered during the spring. Overstreet has endured injuries to both of his shoulders and a knee during his UW career. Haug said Overstreet is on pace to be ready for UW's Aug. 25 opener at New Mexico State.

Valladay and Bigelow have impressed the coaches during camp, especially Bigelow, who is listed at 6-2 and about 215 pounds. Bohl said Bigelow has lost some weight because he is coming off an illness over the past few days.

"(Bigelow) had a good day (on Tuesday)," Bohl said. "He has good size, quickness and vision, and also has good instincts. He is the type of back that we like."