TAMPA, Fla. – Do not expect Saturday afternoon’s spring game to reveal much about the 2024 USF Bulls. That being said, Nay’Quan Wright wants fans arriving at Corbett Stadium to enjoy seeing a team that has worked diligently the past six weeks while setting its sights on bigger and better beginning August 31 against visiting Bethune-Cookman.
“They have been with us and it will be good to have them here,” he said of the fans. “For the program, for the team, we need to compete and carry the little things we worked on for 15 (practices) and put them on display Saturday.”
Wright was often on display in his first season with USF after transferring from Florida. His 797 yards led USF running backs while placing second to quarterback Byrum Brown’s 809. Alas, this spring has been about a team growing closer after much unfamiliarity a year ago with a new staff and many transfers.
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“I have had a whole year with these guys and we are closer than ever,” he said. “From last year to this year we have definitely grown in that respect, coaching one another and continuing to get better. The leaders are leading.”
It is clear to first-year running backs coach Micah James that Wright is unquestionably one of the Bulls’ leaders.
“The first thing that pops into my mind (when thinking about Wright) are the leadership qualities,” he said. “I cannot harp enough about the leadership. Trying to do the right things, very consistent with what he is doing. I have not been around too many teams where your starting running back is kind of seen as top dog on the team.”
There are many things Wright, who averaged 4.4 yards per tote and found the end zone eight times last season, has worked on this spring to make his game even better.
“It is focusing on the little things,” he said, as he rattled off a checklist. “Making the right reads, the right footwork, the right steps. In protection, have eyes in the right spot.”
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Wright was in a good spot last season as he was healthy following an injury-riddled 2022 with the Gators. He needs to carry that health into 2024, which will be his final season as eligibility. Not that his final year of college football alters his mindset.
“The goal does not change whether you have two, three years remaining or this is the last year,” said Wright, who rushed for 688 yards in 29 games over four seasons at UF. “Take it day-by-day, work on your craft, get bigger, faster and stronger. Take the coaching, be a great leader, but also a great listener.”
A couple of more wins would be nice as well.
“We need to continue to climb the ladder,” he said. “It was huge to come here and win, but 7-6 is definitely average. We need to climb the ladder, and it started (this spring). We are hungry for more.”
Wright and the rest of the Bulls will conclude their spring workouts with Saturday’s game, which gets underway at 2 p.m.
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