After the Temple Owl’s 49-6 blowout win of East Carolina last Saturday, junior wide receiver Isaiah Wright was awarded the American Athletic Conference special teams player of the week.
Wright, who is the Owl’s primary kick returner, returned a punt 59 yards for a touchdown, his third career return touchdown during his college career. Overall he finished with 192 all-purpose yards last weekend, which mostly came from him returning a combined five punts for 129 yards and one kickoff for 22 yards. He added a second touchdown on the day when he caught a 19-yard score from redshirt-sophomore quarterback Anthony Russo.
Wright is currently averaging 17.2 yards based on 10 punt returns this season, and 22.5 yards on 15 kickoff returns. His only touchdown on a return this season is the one from last Saturday.
He has caught 18 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns in a receiver role, but has also ran for 55 yards on 11 carries.
At 6-2, 220 pounds, Wright is quietly making people pay attention to his NFL Draft chances. He is currently sitting at 26th place in the nation in all purpose yards, seventh place in punt returns, and third place in combined kick returns.
Last season Wright was just the sixth Football Bowl Series (FBS) player in the last decade to score five different ways (kick return, punt return, passing, rushing, and receiving). He recorded a total of 1,289 total yards last year to go along with seven touchdowns.
“Any way I can contribute, I’m going to contribute,” Wright said. “So if that means playing three, or even six positions, then that’s what I have to do.”
Before the season started, Wright was named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung award, which is given to college football’s most versatile player at the end of each season.
Wright will look to continue his campaign as one of college football’s most versatile players when the Owl’s head to Annapolis, MD to take on Navy in a conference matchup.
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