On paper, Phillip Walker was responsible for the Owls stagnant second half offense last Friday night versus Army. Finishing 4/16 with two interceptions, Walker was unable to lead a touchdown drive late that would have set the Owls up to the steal the game. Instead, dropped passes, wrong routes, and miscommunication eventually resulted in shock in the opening night setback.
Following a 2015 season in which Temple had a talented wide receiver corps led by seniors Robby Anderson, Brandon Shippen, and John Christopher,the team will now look to a young group of wide receivers to equal the production of last years group. While also having a dynamic rushing attack with Phillip Walker, and Jahad Thomas, young players will have to play a key role in the offense this season following the loss of three senior starters at wide receiver.
Early in the 2016 campaign, the Owls are searching for playmakers on offense following a week one loss to Army in which the offense only scored 13 points. After the injuries of key starters Jahad Thomas, and Ventell Bryant, the Owls will rely on their young talent to lead them to victory against Stony Brook.
Enter the 6-2, 207 pound True Freshman wide receiver Isaiah Wright. Wright will look to make an impact against Stony Brook, and a defense that ranked top ten in the country at the FCS level for total defense.
According to head coach Matt Rhule, Wright has been taking reps at both wide receiver,and running back in preparation for Saturday’s game.
In his press conference on Tuesday, coach Rhule discussed the use of Wright this week.
“Isaiah Wright is a guy we have to play, I wish we would’ve played {Wright} last game,” Rhule said. “(Wright) is just one of those guys, he’s a winner.”
After receiving high praise from his coach, Wright will look to make an impact this week against a tough Stony Brook defense.
The West Hartford Connecticut native, Wright played both offense, and defense at Kingswood-Oxford High School. During his high school career, Wright totaled 91 receptions for 1,917 yards and 19 touchdowns. Playing running back, he rushed for 330 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, Wright totaled 74 tackles, and four interceptions, and recovered two fumbles. He was named all-conference three times.
A three star recruit coming out of high school, Wright was originally committed to Rutgers University until he switched to Temple in February of this year.
Although he is listed as a wide receiver, look for Wright to factor in the run game as well. Following a week where the Owls rushed for only 83 yard collectively, and no receiver had more than four catches; Temple will look to young playmakers like Wright play a key role in the offense.
Isaiah Wright will look to have an expanded role as his freshman season continues. If he produces, he will have no trouble finding playing time. As Temple looks to even its record on the season, players like Isaiah Wright must be a key factor in the offense.
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