The Incredible Tale Behind Darnell Wright's Unforgettable College Performance
Darnell Wright had been on the radar of scouts leading up to the 2022 season for Tennessee. With a successful stint at left tackle, he was now transitioning to the right side of the line. This shift provided an opportunity for him to showcase his versatility and build on his previous progress. However, he still needed a standout performance to prove to draft evaluators that he was a first-round caliber player. That moment arrived in Week 6 against Alabama, and it was a game-changer.
The rivalry between the Volunteers and the Crimson Tide had been one-sided for years, with Alabama dominating. However, Tennessee turned the tables in a thrilling 52-49 victory, racking up an impressive 567 yards of offense. While quarterback Hendon Hooker received much of the praise for his stellar performance, keen observers knew that Wright's pass protection skills played a pivotal role. He kept star Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson in check throughout the game, a feat that didn't come without some backstory.
Tennessee offensive line coach Glen Elarbee shared an intriguing tale with Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. Leading up to the game, Wright exuded an unwavering confidence, boldly stating that he would handle Anderson without any assistance. Elarbee recalled Wright's words: "Man, I'm going to be good. Don't worry about me. I'm going to over-set with this guy and be all good." This self-assurance and belief in his abilities set the stage for Wright's standout performance.
Most young tackles would have welcomed extra help against a formidable pass rusher like Anderson, but Wright had a different mindset. He studied the tape, evaluated his opponent, and declared, "I can take this guy, no problem." Instead of relying on assistance, he asked his coaches to focus their attention elsewhere. This decision to trust in his own abilities was a pivotal moment that contributed to Tennessee's remarkable upset victory over Alabama. It also caught the attention of the Chicago Bears, who began taking a closer look at Wright.
A few months later, Bears general manager Ryan Poles became convinced that Darnell Wright possessed the qualities the organization was seeking. His size, athleticism, toughness, and tenacity checked all the boxes. However, what truly stood out was Wright's unwavering self-confidence. When teammates witness the way he carries himself, it can have a contagious effect in the locker room. It spreads like wildfire, igniting a winning mentality among the entire team. Poles understood the significance of this trait when he made the decision to draft Wright.
Darnell Wright's remarkable college performance and his unwavering self-confidence not only propelled Tennessee to an upset victory but also caught the attention of NFL scouts. As he enters the next chapter of his career with the Chicago Bears, fans eagerly anticipate the impact he will have on the field and the contagious winning mentality he brings to the team.
