For the first time since the 2011 season opener, the Wyoming Cowboys will have a freshman starting quarterback.

Monday it was revealed that redshirt freshman Tyler Vander Waal won the QB competition, and he’ll lead the Pokes against New Mexico State Saturday night at 8 p.m.

Vander Waal is 6’4, 220 pounds and from Elk Grove, CA. He was rated as a three-star recruit out of Christian Brothers High School in the Sacramento area. He was named to the First Team All-Metro team in 2016 by the Sacramento Bee newspaper. This will be Vander Waal’s first action since a sectional championship game in high school.

KOWB’s David Settle caught up with Vander Waal in the video above and discussed his reaction to winning the job and what he felt he did to win it. He also describes his game, how he feels about the offense and more.

Fifth-year Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl was asked what allowed Vander Waal to earn the starter job. Bohl talked about Tyler’s strengths.

“He’s got a very accurate arm. He’s got good arm strength. He’s got good mobility. Football’s not seven-on-seven pass where they’re not rushing, he’s done a really good job of extending plays, keeping his eyes downfield, throwing down to check downs, taking his eyes, not at the primary receiver that’s covered, but going to the secondary receiver. He doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way a whole lot. He’s a smart, bright guy, and the fact that he’s been around here for a year certainly helps.”

Bohl added they feel good about Vander Waal and where he’s at.

The redshirt freshman won’t be the only young guy out on the field on offense. Wyoming will have three redshirt freshman starting on the offensive line at left guard, center and right tackle. They’ll face a tough New Mexico State Aggies defense that returns nine starters from last season.

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