Wright already a leader for Owls
BOCA RATON — In his first game, Florida Atlantic receiver Willie Wright scored the longest touchdown in school history.
He leads the team in catches, receiving yards and is likely the fastest player on the roster.
Still, there is something more that makes him special. At 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds, he hardly resembles a player willing to speak up in the locker room. Wright has shrugged off his boyish appearance to grow into a team leader just a few months into his playing career.
“I’m more impressed with him off the field as far as the way he carries himself,” receiver John Franklin III said. “In our meeting room, most freshmen are immature. He carries himself like a vet. His leadership has grown week to week.”
Franklin’s comments speak volumes because he is a graduate student. Wright has displayed maturity far beyond his age to become the Owls’ top receiving threat. In a year they were supposed to rely on seniors Kalib Woods and Kamrin Solomon, it is the 19-year-old from Jacksonville who has emerged.
Wright has 45 receptions for 559 yards and four touchdowns this season.
“He’s special, for sure,” Franklin said. “It’s not too many times you have a freshman who comes in and becomes an impact player from game one. As you see, throughout the weeks, his role continues to grow.”
Wright had seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown in last week’s victory against Charlotte that helped the Owls cap an undefeated Conference USA season. They attempt to complete perfection when they host North
MISSOURI 62, UCF 59 Texas in the conference championship game Saturday at FAU Stadium.
Much of the success in the passing game has been attributed to Wright. His presence as a deep threat has stretched defenses while also preventing opponents from being able to focus solely on the running game.
“I think Willie is unusual,” FAU coach Lane Kiffin said. “You get these kids once in a while that come in as a true freshman that are just mature beyond their years and don’t get flustered by the big game.”
He proved that in the season opener against Navy when caught a 95-yard touchdown pass, the longest play from scrimmage in FAU history. An injury in the second half kept him out the following game against Wisconsin but Wright has been top option since returning a week later.
Because of Kiffin’s team policy, freshmen aren’t allowed to speak to the media. His teammates, though, have plenty to say about Wright.
“He’s one of those players who has quickness and he’s fast,” safety Jalen Young said. “He has speed and that ability to be a little saucy. He’s one of the best slots I have faced and he’s just a freshman. From Day One, you could tell that he was all about his business. I love that about him. He’s focused. He just wants to get better.”
Wright is set to follow in the footsteps of Young and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who have become the cornerstones of the team after having breakout freshman seasons. Young and AlShaair are also the Owls’ top two leaders.
“He’s not big-headed,” Franklin said. “He practices probably harder than anybody out there. It shows on Saturdays. He practices what he preaches. He’s a leader.”