Quintard Wright coming on strong for Terrell Academy

DAWSON — Quintard Wright would like nothing better than to play baseball at the next level. But for now, the Terrell Academy junior is comfortable with his role on the football team.

The three-sport standout is the team’s starting running back and linebacker and has been a steady and consistent piece for the Eagles.

He doesn’t say much, but Terrell Academy coaches have been pleased with the junior’s play.

“When you ask him to do something, the only thing he ever says is, ‘Yes, sir,’ ” Terrell Academy coach Bill Murdock said. “He’s very well-mannered and a total team football player.”

Wright will be asked to play a big role Friday evening when the Eagles meet Gatewood in the Georgia Independent Schools Association Class 2A state championship game. The game will begin at 5 p.m. at Mercer University’s Five-Star Stadium in Macon.

Wright would like nothing better than to help lead the Eagles to a state championship, something Terrell Academy hasn’t done since 2009.

The 6-foot, 185-pounder gave up football in middle school to concentrate on baseball. But when he came to Terrell Academy from Monroe High last year, he gave football another chance. And the Eagles are glad he did.

While the offense features a lot of design reads for the quarterback, he has gotten his share of carries. But he is content to play any role the team needs.

“It came back pretty fast,” Wright said of playing football again. “The first couple of games … I didn’t get many carries. But I earned a starting spot, and I feel like I’ve done pretty well since.”

Not many call him by his first name of Quintard, instead calling him “Q.” While he rushed for 146 yards in a playoff victory over St. Andrews two weeks ago, he has also made his mark on defense as one of the team’s top tacklers.

“I tell you what he is,” defensive coordinator Ashley Walker said. “He’s a hard-hat guy. He works hard and when it’s time to go, he goes hard. He never misses a practice, and he never complains.”

Walker, who is also the school’s varsity baseball coach, said Wright played a variety of positions last season. While he has always played center field, it isn’t uncommon to see him play infield.

Wright said he likes to play basketball to help him stay in shape for baseball. However, he’s become a standout for the Eagles on the basketball court, too.

Murdock likes his versatility.

“He played on defense a lot early, and we sort of had a running back by committee earlier in the season,” Murdock said. “But we had a couple of guys get nicked up, so we gave the ball to him a little more. He’s come on really strong for us.”

Wright said he just wants to make the most of the opportunity.

“You’ve got to be tough,” he said. “You can’t go in there and be scared or you’ll get embarrassed.”

Something he has hasn’t done this season.