San Jose’s "newest" sensation
Tim Ball
Wednesday April 27, 2005
For the second week in a row, Wright (5-9, 180, Fresno St.) was awarded the AFL’s U.S. Army Ironman of the Week. Against the Crush, the SaberCats rookie took a quick toss 45-yards to open the floodgates in an 89-41 victory that San Jose would dominate from start to finish. On special teams, Wright returned a missed field goal 54 yards for a touchdown and on defense; he earned his first career interception. Included with the touchdowns stats Wright caught 3 passes for 81 yards and added 7.0 tackles as the starting WR/DB.
In the 83-71 win against the Dallas Desperados, Wright also scored the games first touchdown, finished with 9.5 tackles and totaled 227 all-purpose yards on kickoff returns, receptions and had a fumble recovery. "Randy is learning the game quickly," said quarterback Mark Grieb. "He is doing what it takes in practice and applying that to the game. That says a lot about his future in this league."
No surprise
This marks the second time this year that a San Jose player has earned consecutive Player of the Week honors. As Grieb supplies the calm leadership and perfect passes rookies and veterans are benefiting.
"I was surprised when I was told," said Wright. "It doesn’t sink in during a game what’s happening or what you are doing. I’m just glad I could contribute to a win."
Wright is no stranger in being key to a great offense. As a favorite receiver of David Carr at Fresno State he finished as the Bulldogs career leader with 222 receptions. It was after a conversation with another ex-Bulldog teammate and current SaberCats lineman Kevin Jordan that Wright wanted a chance with San Jose. "Kevin told me about the SaberCats and I did everything I could to get a try-out," said Wright. "It was coach Church that first took notice of me and helped me through the learning process. I knew I wanted to be on this team the first day I was here. I didn’t care if it was on defense or offense."
Family issue
Now on the team and making an impression with home fans as well as the league, Wright is enjoying every game more and more. "There’s nothing that can prepare you for a live game in this league," continued Wright. "The arena game is so fast and the fans are so close. Also the boards and the size of the field make the game much more physical than anything I could have expected."
Softening the intensity of it all is that Wright’s parents have been to home games. "My parents live in Bakersfield and my dad works weekends," said Wright. "But so far they’ve made the home games and we won each time."
His experience in playing Arena Football for the SaberCats took Wright by surprise but for another reason altogether. "I have never been around a team like this one," said Wright. "The players that make up this team pull for each other and I feel that is one big reason for the success I’ve had in such a short time. I’m glad I signed a two-year deal."
And you can bet Wright isn’t the only member of the SaberCats organization that is happy about that deal as well.
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
