The University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä’s 9-1 football team ranks among the top 11 in the nation in rushing yards with 225 per game.
There hasn’t been an exact secret recipe as to how the Golden Eagles have been able to run all over teams this season.
However, a key and vital piece to the rushing attack is redshirt sophomore running back Chavon Wright.
Wright, a Florida native, has recorded more than 1,300 yards on the ground this season — a 200-yard increase from last year — to rank eighth in NCAA Division II.
“He’s gotten in better shape,†UC coach Quinn Sanders said. “He’s in much better shape this year than he was last year. Last year, he came into camp a little heavy and didn’t get rolling until probably Week 3 or 4. This year, he knew it was on the table and could see that. He came in shape and did what he had to do.â€
Wright also recognized that his physique last year wasn’t good enough.
He knew that to be more successful, change was necessary.
“I came in a bit out of shape,†Wright said. “[Assistant] coach [Marshall] Cooper made us put in that work during the offseason. I also put in the hard work throughout the summer on my own. That translated to this season.â€
Wright accounts for 51% of the Golden Eagles’ total rushing yards.
The redshirt sophomore’s gaudy numbers earned him Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors.
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He credits his physical running style and mentality from family members.
“That started from growing up and watching my brother and cousin playing football and wanting to be out there,†Wright said. “That’s a style of running that I have to have since I’m a bit undersized. I’m not the fastest, so I have something to separate me from the rest.â€
Wright also credits what he’s accomplished this season to his teammates.
“I credit this team for jelling together,†Wright said. “We love each other. Nobody’s jealous. There’s no animosity towards anybody. That’s a fun team to play with and fun people to be around. All the credit should go to the [offensive] line and quarterbacks for alleviating the box and the line getting the job done.â€
Wright and UC’s run offense will have a tough matchup Saturday at 1 p.m. at University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Stadium. The Golden Eagles are the No. 2 seed in their region and will welcome the New Haven Chargers (8-2) for a spot in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
New Haven’s run defense stacks up in the top 10 nationally in rush defense, holding teams to 100 yards per game.
“It’ll take what we’ve been doing all season, staying together,†Wright said. “New Haven does have a good run defense. I don’t think they’ve seen a team like us. We got to come out, out-physical them and play our game. We don’t need to try playing their game. When all else fails, we still got the pass game. We have great receivers outside.â€
Sanders has appreciated everything Wright has given to the Golden Eagles.
“He’s so unselfish,†Sanders said. “He was raised the right way. He’s got wonderful parents and family. It’s special to have a guy like that.â€
