PN-G runner draws invite to big game

[KFDM COOP]

PN-G runner draws invite to big game

By Tom Halliburton

The Port Arthur News

PORT NECHES -- Port Neches-Groves running back Josh Wright has received an invitation to play in the fifth annual International All-America Bowl Game Classic next January.

An effective complement to senior Jake Hemmings in last year's Indians running game, Wright carried 132 times for 866 yards and six touchdowns as a junior.

At 5-9, 196, Wright combines good strength with sprinter speed. Recruiting expert Max Emfinger listed Wright's current 40-yard dash speed at 4.46.

Wright has attended summer football camps at both the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and Texas Christian University. He is listed among Emfinger's top 250 national recruits for the Class of 2009.

Wright will be one of two running backs on the West squad for the All-America Bowl, sponsored by Under Armour on Jan. 3, 2009. The game's organizer, Emfinger, is still finalizing the venue for the 2009 game. The 2008 All-America Bowl Game was played in Jackson, Mississippi.

"I'm excited and I'm ready to play," Wright said Saturday. "I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life."

Emfinger's words about Wright's abilities surprised the PN-G senior-to-be.

On his maxemfinger website, Emfinger wrote on Wright's biography notes that Josh "may be the strongest player in the country at his size or at his position."

Emfinger cited that Wright bench-pressed 400 pounds and he also has done 35 reps of 185 pounds on the bench press and 20 reps of 225 pounds.

"I didn't think he (Emfinger) would say something that good about me," Wright said. "But I have gotten a lot stronger and faster in the off-season."

[Cardinal Supporter]

Sounds good for PNG. Good luck Josh.

[YankeeDawg]

Great to see a local  kid getting national attention.

Continued success

[KFDM COOP]

Congrats!

[DP#1FAN]

The hard work will payoff! Congrats

[Guest 87CRU79]

I remember Ryan Butler being invited to that as well as the US Army All-American Combine/Try-out. He decided not to go because you have to shell out some major cash for these things. Hopefully, he has a sponsor or somethin. Good luck

[82 5A State Champs]

Congrats, Josh and good luck in January!