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Time Is ‘Wright’ for ULM Quarterback This Spring

Time Is ‘Wright’ for ULM Quarterback This Spring

Football Mar 18
By ULMWarhawks.com Online Columnist Paul Letlow

MONROE, La.  – Not since high school has ULM senior quarterback Jiya Wright gone into a season as the presumptive starter.

It's a position he's taken seriously with the Warhawks this spring.

"Jiya's having a really good spring," ULM coach Terry Bowden said. "It's really the first time where he's been number one. Last year, he was 1B and got hurt against Texas. By the time he got back, we were set with Chandler Rogers.

"But he's really come on and assumed the leadership role. He runs a little better than Chandler and he's got better speed. Probably needs to be more consistent in the throwing game. But my big thing is, don't turn the ball over and make good decisions and we'll be fine with what we do."

Wright completed 9-of-15 passes for 85 yards and directed a pair of short scoring drives during ULM's second scrimmage Saturday morning at Malone Stadium.

"As an offense, I think we're doing really well," Wright said. "We've got a lot of depth at O-line and receiver. I've got weapons all over the field, so I'm excited about that."

Wright was 3-of-4 for 45 yards with a 37-yard pass to Dariyan Wiley on ULM's first series.

"I think one of the things we need to do better is taking shots," Wright said. "That was kind of our emphasis this week. Taking more shots and getting the ball in the hands of Dariyan, (Tyrone) Howell, (Alred) Luke, Bugs (Mortimer) and all those guys."

Performing in a controlled scrimmage setting doesn't really allow Wright to showcase his dual-threat capabilities, which will be a big part of the offense too.

"Spring ball ruins it because we put a black shirt on 'em," Bowden said. "If they touch them, they're dead, but if I see them run around them to protect the quarterback, they're dead. They have nothing they can do to show their skills and his running is a huge part of what he does."

"Me running and extending plays is a big part of what I do to help this offense," Wright said.

Former Ouachita Christian standout Hunter Herring is providing good competition for Wright this spring.

"Hunter and I have a good friendship going on," Wright said. "I'm happy he came in, and he's the type of guy who improves the quarterback room. Me being in my last year and stepping in as QB1, I'm able to teach him the ropes of (Matt) Kubik's offense since he's got so many years left."

Said Bowden: "He's done a good job too. He just has to learn what we require of each play. He's got a lot of talent and we're awfully pleased with him too."

The only touchdowns in Saturday's scrimmage came from running back Hunter Smith, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound junior who scored on runs of 13 and 25 yards.

"We've got some new backs in here with bigger size and we want to see them a lot," Bowden said. "But every day, Hunter comes out and shines. He doesn't go unnoticed. When he gets in there, he makes a play."
 
The offense also produced three field goals: 22 yards from Braxton Guilbeau, 36 yards from Price Nixon and 21 yards from Derek McCormick.

Defensively, Anthony Campbell collected a 6-yard sack while Michael Batton was in on five tackles.

"The thing I see with our defense is a lot of new faces," Bowden said. "They're longer and they run well. The thing we've tried to emphasize in recruiting is getting more speed to get to the football. We only caused two fumbles last year and were one of the worst in the country. That's just not having the ability to get enough people to the ball. I like the way our guys run on defense now getting to the ball. That's going to be a key as we get better."
 
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