LARAMIE – Unfortunately Ben Florentine said the nickname “Mustard Gas” was forgotten with Craig Bohl.
The good news for the Pokes is that the nose guard is still stronger than ever and will play a prominent role in Wyoming’s defensive line during Jay Sawvel‘s first season as head coach.
Florentine, who weighed 218 pounds when he arrived at UW three years ago, is now struggling through fall camp at 280 pounds.
In nine training sessions, Florentine has been given his first assignments alongside the senior defensive tackle Jordan Bertagnole.
“I’ve enjoyed every second,” Florentine said of the opportunity to fight for a starting spot in an experienced defense. “It’s something I’ve been working towards and something I’ve wanted for some time. So putting myself in this position is a lot of pressure, but I’m coping with it and getting better every day.”
Due to a series of injuries along the interior of UW’s defensive line heading into 2022, Florentine was thrust into the lineup for key appearances against Boise State and Fresno State this season.
During the Cowboys’ 9-4 2023 season, the junior from Anaheim, California, finished with 11 tackles in 12 games in the rotation behind Cole Godbout.
“Ben has gotten better every year,” Sawvel said after Friday’s practice, the Pokes’ ninth in the last 10 days. “He just shows up. He has a really strong drive; he’s a really good athlete because he was a smaller guy who grew into what he is today.”
Florentine, who is listed at 6’1″, was impressive during his fierce wrestling matches at the line of scrimmage with the 6’3″, 300-pound right guard. Jack Walsh.
“Ben Florentine “He’s playing really great,” Walsh said on the One Wyoming podcast. “He reminds us all of Byron Murphy from Texas. Just a small, strong guy, and if you don’t play deep, you’re in trouble.”
Murphy was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
Florentine’s confidence was boosted by a full season of experience and his strong performances in key games against Texas Tech and Texas.
“Playing only two games the year before, big games, but only two games, was a big step,” said Florentine, a junior who was redshirted in 2021. “Last year I got my stride and knew what it felt like to play in front of a big crowd. That was great.”
The Cowboys also need a redshirt sophomore Jaden Williams to have a breakthrough season and redshirt freshmen Lucas Samsula, Jayden Williams And Dante Drake to add more depth to the promising young group.
But with the graduation of Godbout and the loss of Caleb Robinson Due to a knee injury that ended his season, the door is open for Florentine to take on the leading role alongside Bertagnole.
“He’s a tough young man,” Defensive Tackles Coach Jeff Phelps said of Florentine. “He’s got built-in leverage and he’s got great power. He comes to work every day and really plays with that chip on his shoulder. He wants to prove he’s one of the best guys in the room and take a lot of reps and be a leader. He’s been able to do that. He’s fun to watch out there.
“I know there are still things he wants to get better at, but he’s constantly working hard. That’s what I love about him. He’s not satisfied and he doesn’t get stuck. He gets better every time he steps on the field.”
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