Cowboys’ Easton Gibbs is unfazed by the preseason hype surrounding him

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - As the start of college football season nears, few-- if any-- players on the Cowboys team will have as many eyes on them as junior linebacker Easton Gibbs.

Just a few weeks ago he was named Mountain West Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, but he’s unfazed by the hype surrounding him.

”I mean it’s definitely cool, it’s a blessing. But like I said a couple times over interviews and stuff, just kind of looking back at last year none of that stuff was there. You know, it was always the same drive, motivation, and goals, and I think just as a team this year we have the same goals and same motivation. So I don’t try to pay too much attention to all that stuff, but it’s definitely cool,” Gibbs said.

On top of the conference honors, he’s also earned national recognition leading up to the season. Gibbs was named to the watch lists of three postseason awards: the Bednarik Award honoring the most outstanding defensive player in college football, the Butkus Award honoring the nation’s best linebacker, and the Nagurski Trophy also honoring the best defensive player in college football.

Gibbs said the work he’s put in has remained the same his entire college career, and nothing has changed now that the spotlight is on him.

”I mean it’s the same approach as every offseason, you know? Gaining weight, gaining muscle, and just getting better in all aspects. Watching film and trying to improve on things that I wasn’t up to par on last season,” Gibbs said.

The linebacker registered 121 tackles (64 solo), three sacks, and one forced fumble in 2022.

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