David Wright III: A Tampa-Bred Star Shines in the SIAC Spotlight

David Wright III, Clark Atlanta University’s electrifying quarterback, has achieved what few can boast—winning back-to-back SIAC Overall Player of the Year awards. His standout 2024 season, where he passed for 2,915 yards (ranking fifth nationally in Division II) and threw 28 touchdowns, has solidified his status as one of the most exciting players in college football. Wright’s incredible journey from Tampa Bay Tech High School to Clark Atlanta is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and talent.

As a quarterback who transcends expectations, Wright, who began his college career at Allen University, transferred to Clark Atlanta with a vision: to elevate his game and lead his team to prominence. This year, he completed 62% of his passes and continued to develop into a dual-threat weapon. Known for his ability to extend plays, his pocket instincts, and a cannon of an arm, Wright is the definition of a playmaker. Scouts rave about his accuracy, mobility, and ability to hit his receivers in stride, particularly on mid-range throws, earning him the nickname “Midrange Maestro.” His Tampa roots shared with Ronnie West, Clark Atlanta’s star receiver, have helped forge an unstoppable connection on the field. The Tampa duo has become a dynamic pairing, transforming the Panthers’ aerial attack into one of the most lethal in the conference.

Wright’s success stands out in a season filled with remarkable SIAC performances. Albany State quarterback Isaiah Knowles captured Offensive Player of the Year honors after throwing for 2,555 yards and a league-high 32 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Lashon Young of Miles College earned Defensive Player of the Year, leading all of Division II with seven interceptions, showcasing the caliber of defensive talent in the SIAC.
Albany State’s freshman running back Tiant Wyche and Allen University’s newcomer Jamir Dismukes also made waves, with Wyche excelling as a dual-threat rusher and returner and Dismukes adding six touchdowns to Allen’s offensive efforts. Rounding out the awards, Miles head coach Sam Shade was named Coach of the Year for leading the Golden Bears to an 8-0 conference record.

As the NFL Draft looms, Wright III’s football journey is a compelling narrative of grit, growth, and undeniable talent. Wright’s on-field dominance has drawn comparisons to Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. Scouts praise Wright’s ability to operate under pressure, lightning-quick release, and knack for threading tight windows. While some critics cite his frame as a limitation, Wright has consistently proven that size is no barrier to success. His leadership and poise have made him a late-round steal prospect, with NFL teams undoubtedly taking notice.

With back-to-back SIAC Player of the Year awards, Wright is ready to carry the HBCU on his back as he could hoist the stature again. With standout performances like Wright’s, the conference continues to demonstrate that it can produce elite athletes ready for the national stage. His success at Clark Atlanta is part of a more significant trend of HBCUs reclaiming their place in the national spotlight. From producing NFL talents like Tariq Cohen and Shaquille Leonard to showcasing high-level competition in events like the Celebration Bowl, HBCUs are earning widespread respect. Players like Wright represent their schools and highlight the quality of coaching, competition, and development within HBCU programs. The growing visibility of HBCU athletes is also supported by initiatives such as the NFL’s HBCU Combine and partnerships with major media networks. These platforms ensure players like Wright can showcase their skills to NFL scouts, reinforcing that HBCUs remain a vital pipeline of football talent.

With stars like Wright leading the charge, the legacy of HBCU football is entering a new golden era—where its athletes make history and inspire future generations to carry the torch forward.