USF RB Nay'Quan Wright Makes Doak Walker Award Watch List

©David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

USF running back Nay'Quan Wright was named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, an accolade which recognizes the nation's best running back, on Aug. 6.

Wright, a graduate student, finished up his first year with the Bulls last year, playing significantly better than any of his previous seasons. Wright had transferred from Florida after the 2022 season in search of more playing time.

The Gators often employed a running back-by-committee style of offense, which kept Wright from getting many touches. Wright's best season for Florida was his sophomore season in 2021, in which he played in 12 games and ran for 326 yards, scoring 1 touchdown.

However, highly skilled Gator running backs such as Montrell Johnson Jr. and Trevor Etienne ultimately commanded more touches in Florida's RB room, so Wright decided to transfer to USF.

Post-Transfer Success

Wright looked like a completely different player in his first season with the Bulls. He had 189 carries in four seasons at Florida. He nearly matched that with 180 carries for 797 yards and 8 touchdowns in one year at USF, starting all 13 games the Bulls played in and cementing himself as the team's starting running back. He also added 10 receptions for 25 yards in what was a predominantly a rushing offense alongside dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown. Brown was also added to the Maxwell Award Watch List.

Many fans can remember Wright for his rush against Alabama in Raymond James Stadium last year. Early in the game, Wright sped past the front seven of the Crimson Tide defense before he trucked the safety with great force. He was eventually brought down a few yards later by a linebacker who had ran back to help.

Wright's 2024 Outlook

With the Bulls scheduled to play a similar schedule as last year in terms of difficulty, Wright could have an even better season now that he has been acclimated into the Bulls offense for a year. With USF starting off the year against Bethune-Cookman, Wright could have a strong game and use it as a tune-up before the team heads on the road to face the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, Ala..

©David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Wright is no stranger to Southeastern Conference matchups. Florida nearly defeated the Crimson Tide during his time in Gainesville, falling short by just two points in 2021. His experience should be a benefit to the Bulls when they face Alabama again in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The absolute turnaround Wright has shown since he has transferred has been nothing short of amazing, and is exactly why he is a candidate for the Doak Walker Award. Expect him to have an even bigger impact this year.