Nay'Quan Wright, UF's Wuerffel Man of the Month, ‘lives life with integrity’
Florida Gators running back Nay’Quan Wright was named the Danny Wuerffel Man of the Month on Tuesday.
The honor is given monthly to “a football scholar-athlete that exemplifies the Gator Standard, demonstrating holistic excellence in leadership, character, service, and academics.” The distinction is not an on-field achievement, but rather one about the character of the player.
UF coach Billy Napier praised Wright during the first week of training camp.
“He’s done a great job. Nay’Quan is on the players I respect the most on our roster,” Napier said last Friday. “I think he is real. I think he lives life with integrity. He is who he says he is. He’s very consistent in his attitude. His actions match up with his words. He’s a proven player. He’s been productive in a game setting here. This place means something to him. He cares about his teammates.
“Nay’Quan’s one of the players on our team who has a voice, who does have impact. Certainly, for him to get healthy and have an opportunity and be effective on the field and produce on the field is really healthy for our team. Nay’Quan is on schedule. We’re excited to have him back out there.”
Nay’Quan Wright returns from injury
After missing most of spring ball, Wright made his return from a season-ending foot surgery last week with the start of training camp.
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Wright had a few non-contact practices at the end of spring but has been full go this fall. He hasn’t lost a step coming off his injury.
“I’m kind of a guy of faith, so even when it’s looking crazy, I always believe. Back in the spring, I felt I was 100 (percent), you know what I mean, and I wasn’t a 100. I just always try to control my thoughts and always keep it positive,” Wright said. “I was always saying like, ‘I’m a 100. I feel good.’ I’d tell the coaches I’m ready to go right now. I wasn’t, but I’m telling them that and telling myself that. Now that I’ve actually been out there with them, I feel pretty fine. By September 3rd, I’ll be ready.”
“I just thank God that I’ll be able to go out there and compete with my teammates. It’s been a long process for me. I’ve been through it (before) but very different for me. A new coaching staff came in and I just wanted to show those guys what I could do, and I was limited to that. I still have ways to go myself. But it’s definitely a blessing to be back, though.”
The Wuerffel Man of the Month tradition was introduced in April, with outside linebacker Chief Borders earning the first recognition. Long snapper Marco Ortiz earned the second honor and offensive tackle Michael Tarquin was recognized last month.
