Jim Fair
Tyler Wright signed to play linebacker at Union College. His parents, Cindy and Al Moore, attended the ceremony at Greer High School.
The opportunity to play full-time out-weighed the lure to play for the University of South Carolina as a long snapper.
“It took me a good bit to decide where I wanted to go,” Wright said. “The decision was made last night, but I have been thinking about it for a while. If I am going to college I am going to play linebacker.”
Union College began recruiting Wright in May. “They showed me they really wanted me,” Wright said.
“Tyler Wright's range and open field tackling are exceptional,” Zac Willis, head coach at Union College, stated in an email.
“He has the best understanding of the Triangle Read that I have observed in years. His execution of his reads and ability to shed blocks set him apart from other LBs that we looked at. He can be an incredible player if he continues to progress.”
Teammates Tiquan Lyles (Newberry College), Jackson Tipton (Union College) and Cole Henderson (Lenoir-Rhyne) also signed grants Wednesday.
Wright, 6-foot-2, 198-pound linebacker, was Greer’s leading tackler the past two seasons. This past season Wright had 71 individual tackles, 55 assists, 2 passes knocked down, 4 hurries, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and one fumble recovery and interception.
Young said Wright, a permanent team captain, made practice challenging. “We had to go against Tyler all the time in practice. That made it a little difficult,” Young, who coaches the offensive line, said.
“He’s a definite leader on that side of the ball. He makes the checks and gets everybody where they are supposed to be,” Young said.
Teammate Jackson Tipton also signed with Union College Wednesday.
• Cole Henderson signs with Lenoir-Rhyne
• Jackson Tipton signs with Union College
• Tiquan Lyles signs with Newberry College