Freshman WR Wright impressing

BOCA RATON — At 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds, Florida Atlantic receiver Willie Wright won’t intimidate any opponent with his size. His speed, however, may scare teams.

Wright, the quick, buzzing freshman from Jacksonville, has climbed up the depth chart through the first 13 practices of FAU’s preseason camp, sitting behind only Henry Bussey as a slot receiver. Wright figures to see plenty of playing time when the Owls use four or five wide receivers.

“Electric,” FAU quarterback De’Andre Johnson said. “Electrifying player. Great guy. Hard guy to tackle in space. Put the ball in his hand, there’s no telling what he can do. The sky’s the limit for him.”

Wright has made a number of highlight-reel plays this camp. One practice, he soared over safety James Pierre to steal a jump ball away from him. On Thursday, he made a sliding catch that moved the chains during the twominute drill.

“Yeah, I love him in the slot to go against the nickels and the linebackers, but I’ll take him against a corner as well,” Johnson said.

Wright has also been among candidates to return punts and kicks. Bussey, cornerback Shelton Lewis, receiver DeAndre McNeal and running backs Kerrith Whyte Jr. and Devin “Motor” Singletary are also in the mix.

“He’s made as many or more plays than any of our receivers,” Kiffin said of Wright.

Next game: Navy at FAU, Sept. 1, 8 p.m., ESPNU