Rebels to face ‘dangerous’ QB in Wyoming’s Bramlet

Steve Guiremand

Thursday, Oct. 25, 2001 | 10:59 a.m.

UNLV defensive coordinator Mike Bradeson was watching tape of a recent Wyoming-Air Force game when one particular play caught his eye.

Casey Bramlet, Wyoming's quarterback, let go with a long pass. A very long pass.

"He was at around his own 45-yard line," Bradeson said. "It landed about five yards past the end zone. That ball traveled about 70 yards in the air. He obviously has good arm stength."

Bramlet has some pretty impressive statistics, too.

The 6-4, 207-pound sophomore from the tiny Wyoming town of Wheatland (population 3,000) is second in the Mountain West Conference in passing yards per game (265.3) and is 20th nationally in total offense (260.3). He leads the MWC with four 300-yard passing games this season, including a 422-yard performance in Wyoming's 43-32 victory at Utah State.

"He's very talented and he's very calm in the pocket," Bradeson said. "He moves his feet enough to stay alive and he can scramble if need be. He has the ability to find guys down the field. ... He's dangerous."

He's also one of three Bramlet brothers who are standout quarterbacks, two of whom have already earned scholarships to Wyoming. Middle brother Corey is a true freshman backup the Cowboys would like to redshirt. And youngest brother Connor, now a junior at Wheatland High School, may be the best of the bunch.

The Bramlets get their football genes from father Tom, who was born in Laramie and played center and defensive end for the Cowboys in 1970 and 1971. The family attended most Wyoming home games as the kids grew up.

After earning all-state honors as a senior, Casey decided to follow in his father's footsteps and play for the Cowboys.

"It's kind of neat being in your home state and being able to play here," Bramlet told the Casper Star Tribune earlier this season. "In Wyoming and in Wheatland, people are always glad when they hear that kind of stuff. I know they like the Wyoming kids in there playing. It gives them some pride."

And trying to stop the strong-armed Bramlet gives opposing MWC defensive coordinators gray hairs.

"Hopefully we won't let him get comfortable back there," Bradeson said. "Hopefully we can get a pass rush and mix up some coverages on him."

"He won't play," Robinson said. "He might come along on the trip. I don't know yet."

Dorsey has not practiced this week because of two sprained ankles.

Meanwhile, defensive end Anton Palepoi (knee sprain) and offensive tackle Brandon Bair (thigh bruise) both practiced on Wednesday and will play against the Cowboys. Starting fullback Steven Costa (turf toe) did not practice but Robinson said he expects Costa to play Saturday.