The grief and sadness havent gone away for Milo Hall, but the University of Wyoming sophomore running back is doing a good job of dealing with tragedy and turning it into something positive.

On July 30, 2016, Halls older brother, Gailen Gator Armstrong, was fatally shot in the 1800 block of Market Street in lower downtown Denver. According to media reports, more than 100 rounds were fired in a parking lot where Armstrong was. The Denver Post reported it was gang members who fired the shots.

More than a year later, Hall and his family still dont have any answers to who killed Armstrong.

Were still trying to figure things out, Hall said. It definitely has been hard. Ive just been trying to work through that.

Hall, who turns 20 on Aug. 12, didnt miss a lot of fall camp after the tragedy, and his UW family helped him a lot once he returned to Laramie.

Hall played in four games last season, but didnt get any carries. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound back is quiet and reserved, but his play was anything but that during spring drills.

Fourth-year coach Craig Bohl described Halls play at times as electric, which earned him the starting job coming out of spring.

Hall is one of a handful of UW running backs competing for playing time after the departure of Brian Hill, the Cowboys career rushing leader who left after his junior season in 2016 and was drafted by the NFLs Atlanta Falcons.

Hall wore jersey No. 16 last season, but switched to No. 3 this season to honor his brother.

(Losing my brother) has been my biggest motivation. My whole demeanor on football and life has changed, Hall said. Im more focused and determined, and Im working harder than ever.

He always believed in me, and we talked pretty much every day. Even before he passed away, he told me to stay focused. Every time I play football, I hear that voice.

While most find what Hall has gone through in the past year unfathomable, it appears that motivation is paying off on the field.

But it also wasnt easy.

UW running backs coach Mike Bath said it wasnt until 6-8 weeks into the 2016 season that he saw the old Milo return, at least on a consistent basis. However, Bath has also seen a new Milo Hall emerge.

One thing Ive seen from him in the last year is him grow as a person and understanding the opportunities he has, Bath said.

He is coming to terms with what happened, and its forced him to grow up faster because of that. The Milo Hall from a year ago to now, and the growth hes had as a person, has been really fun to be a part of.

His teammates agree.

Junior starting quarterback Josh Allen has been Halls roommate for the past year, and described Hall as outstandingly strong, and like a brother to me.

Junior running back Nico Evans said the way Hall performed during the spring gave him a lot of confidence, and also opened him up in terms of communicating with other players.

He is talking to the younger guys and coaching them up. Thats something he didnt do in the past, Evans said.

After Wednesdays third practice of fall camp, Bohl said Hall has picked up a step and is more confident in the offense.

Hall isnt UWs most vocal player, and likely never will be. That isnt who he is personality-wise, and isnt necessarily what the Cowboys need from him.

My play on the field is my leadership, he said, and hopefully it shows other guys how to work hard.

And perseverance through tough times.

Practice update

The Cowboys practiced in shoulder pads for the first time during fall camp Wednesday morning after working out in shorts and helmets the previous two days.

I was pleased with our effort, but you could tell it had an impact on the offense. At times we were a little sloppy, Bohl said.

Bohl said true freshman Patrick Arnold is getting some reps at center with the No. 1 offense, and will compete with sophomore Gavin Rush at that spot. Bohl said he would like to settle on who will play center two weeks before the Cowboys season opener Sept. 2 at Iowa.

Senior starting fullback Drew Van Maanen didnt practice Wednesday due to a strained hamstring. Van Maanen suffered the injury Tuesday. The good news is that it is not a pulled hamstring. However, there is no timeframe for when Van Maanen will return to practice.

Excerpt from:
UW's Milo Hall using loss of brother as motivation - WyoSports (subscription)