Virginia Tech Football: Analyzing Three-Star Tight End Daequan Wright

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Justin Fuente of the Virginia Tech Hokies walks off the field before the start of a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

The number of commitments is gathering for the Virginia Tech Hokies football team and the 2022 Recruiting Class. On June 29th, the Virginia Tech Hokies got a commitment from a dynamic tight end/wide receiver Daequan Wright from Perry High School in Perry, Georgia.

Wright committed to the Hokies early to focus on finishing his senior year of high school strong. He is the third tight end to commit to Virginia Tech in the 2022 Recruiting Class. He is the 13th overall prospect for Virginia Tech in the 2022 class. Wright currently has other offers from the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, the Liberty Flames, the Marshall Thundering Herd, the UCF Knights, the Georgia State Panthers, and the South Alabama Jaguars.

What sets him apart from the other tight ends in the class is his big frame and his dynamic role in his team. Wright measures in at 6-4, 230 pounds, and can play tight end, outside and inside wide receiver. He can also play wildcat quarterback from the shotgun. Wright has the same playstyle as former Florida Gator and Atlanta Falcons rookie tight end Kyle Pitts.

Last season, Daequan Wright caught 52 receptions for 524 yards and six touchdowns. He also ran the ball 26 times for 197 yards and three touchdowns. In his sophomore season in 2019, Wright caught 32 receptions for 479 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran the ball 17 times for 109 yards and five touchdowns.

His film of this past season for the Panthers this past season indicates he has a great blend of size and dynamic athleticism. While speed isn’t his best factor as a pass-catcher, Wright is a tremendous route runner that can create separation from himself and the defensive back. He possesses the impressive ability to scout the ball and make consistent catches over the shoulder, especially if he is the farthest offensive player from the ball. He has solid hands and long arm length, which gives the quarterback confidence to make the pass.

Wright is also tough in contested throws as he can battle for the ball just with his hands and arm length without causing offensive pass interference. For a bigger-sized player like him, Wright is highly elusive and difficult to tackle. Wright is the ideal player for designed plays like screens and jet sweeps. He makes great cuts in his running angles in steps and the turn of the hips. Finally, Wright is a dangerous wildcat quarterback in the backfield. There are times when the defenders are more concerned with the speedy receivers or Wright running to the outside to where they can throw off defenders when he runs in-between the tackles.

Wright doesn’t have much of a profile on 247Sports, but he lists as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com. He also has an extensive background in the sport of basketball for the Perry Panthers. Wright lists as a shooting guard on MaxPreps, where he averaged 16.4 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 3.5 assists per game, and 2.3 steals per game.

Wright could have a collegiate career with the Hokies as a football and basketball player. His dynamic playmaking abilities, tenacious mentality, size, and superior athleticism make a compelling argument for him to see the field early in his Hokies football career if he signs with the team on early or National Signing Day.