Tulsa’s Justin Wright Named The American’s Defensive Player of the Week

IRVING, Texas –– The University of Tulsa linebacker Justin Wright was named the American Athletic Conference's Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Tulsa's 32-31 road win at South Florida on Saturday.

Tulsa running backs Shamari Brooks and Deneric Prince were named to the AAC's weekly honor roll as the duo combined for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the USF win.

Wright, a 6'2" junior from Abilene, Texas, recorded seven tackles, including five solos and 2.5 sacks for -9 yards while adding one QB hurry.

With USF at the Tulsa 25-yard line in the 1^st quarter, Wright sacked quarterback Timmy McClain for a two-yard loss on a 3^rd-and-9. USF failed to score on the possession. After Tulsa scored with 0:47 left in the game to make the score 32-31, Wright sacked McClain for a 3-yard loss on a 2^nd-and-10 play from the USF 27-yard line, preventing the Bulls from mounting a scoring drive.

A week ago, Wright earned AAC weekly honor roll mention after collecting a career-high 14 tackles in a win over Memphis.

Brooks, a 5'8" running back from Tulsa's Union High School, had his third 100+ rushing game of the year with 145 yards on 22 carries for a 6.3-yard average against the Bulls.

On Tulsa's game-winning 9-play drive, Brooks carried the final three plays for 14 yards including the final 3-yard TD run with 0:47 left on the clock to put Tulsa ahead 32-31, the only lead of the game for the Hurricane. Brooks' touchdown was the 27^th of his career and his rushing performance was the 15^th 100+ rushing game of his career.

Prince, a 6'0" junior from Manvel, Texas, totaled 110 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries for a 5.8 average per carry against USF.

Tulsa has a bye week next Saturday before hosting the Navy Midshipmen on Friday, Oct. 29, with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff. For tickets, go online at TulsaHurricane.com or call 918.631.GoTU (4688).

Tulsa’s Justin Wright Named The American’s Defensive Player of the Week

Players Mentioned

Shamari Brooks

Deneric Prince

Justin Wright

Related Videos