It’s rare that a non-FBS player gets recognized by ESPN in its “helmet sticker” honor — even rarer for an HBCU player.
But Clark Atlanta quarterback David Wright Jr. was awarded a helmet sticker by ESPN analyst Joey Galloway Sr. on Saturday night.
Wright showcased incredible resilience and poise, completing 30 of 49 passes for 374 yards and four touchdowns. This performance was critical in overcoming a significant deficit early in the game. Despite facing relentless pressure from the Bethune-Cookman defense, including four sacks, Wright’s ability to lead the offense to multiple scoring drives displayed his leadership and skill.
Clark Atlanta fought back from a 21-point deficit in the first quarter, with Wright connecting on key passes, including a game-winning 55-yard field goal drive in the final moments. Wright’s ability to remain composed in a high-stakes HBCU football matchup highlights his potential as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the HBCU football scene this season.
Here are four key plays by David Wright III that helped Clark Atlanta University (CAU) secure a 38-37 victory over Bethune-Cookman:
- First Quarter – 11-Yard Touchdown Pass: With CAU trailing 21-0, Wright threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to David Martin with 2:24 left in the first quarter. This put CAU on the board and gave the team much-needed momentum after a slow start.
- Third Quarter – 28-Yard Touchdown Pass: Early in the third quarter, Wright connected with Armone Harris for a 28-yard touchdown. This came after a 98-yard drive, which helped CAU reduce the deficit to 34-21.
- Third Quarter – 27-Yard Touchdown Pass: Shortly after the previous score, Wright threw another touchdown, this time a 27-yard pass to Harris, capping a 99-yard drive. This touchdown brought CAU within striking distance at 34-28.
- Final Drive – Game-Winning Field Goal Setup: In the final moments of the game, Wright orchestrated a crucial 61-yard drive, setting up a game-winning 55-yard field goal by Leonardo Cabrera as time expired. His accurate passes and decision-making under pressure sealed the comeback win.