Malvern Prep back Dymond Wright is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
A senior running back/cornerback for the Friars’ football squad, Wright scored four touchdowns in Malvern’s win against Holy Spirit (N.J.) in their home opener Sept. 5. Two of the touchdowns were catches of 32 and 43 yards. In the Friars’ opener against Roman Catholic, he gained 161 yards combined running and receiving. Wright, who is a cousin of the late Jack Tatum (former All-Pro safety for the Oakland Raiders), has been a key contributor on Malvern’s offense, defense and special teams.
Main Line Media News: In your big day against Holy Spirit, you scored four touchdowns – which one was most memorable to you – can you tell us a little about that play, and your role in it?
Dymond Wright: Looking back, I would say that my second touchdown (a 43-yard touchdown catch to put Malvern ahead 27-6) was the most memorable. The coaches liked my matchup against the linebacker. I was hoping that the next play that was called would allow both the safeties to be taken out of the play, and I could be matched up one-on-one with the linebacker. We knew that the play would take time to develop and our line did a great job, which allowed our quarterback, Alex Hornibrook, to throw the ball for a touchdown.
Main Line Media News: Who is your favorite football player? Is there a player whose game you try to pattern your own after?
Dymond Wright: My favorite player in the league right now is LeSean McCoy. I love his swiftness and the way he moves. The person that I try to take after is Barry Sanders, in my opinion; he was the best open field runner of all time.
Main Line Media News: What area of your game are you working on the most currently?
Dymond Wright: I am currently working on my run patterns. Coach Chris Downs, my running back coach, has been helping to sharpen my skills.
Main Line Media News: You’re a versatile performer, also playing cornerback. What do you think are the prime attributes needed for a successful cornerback?
Dymond Wright: There are several techniques that are required to be a great corner. You must have eyes, hips, and acceleration. I’ve learned from my cousin Jason Thompson who played football at a high level, to read the end man on the line of the scrimmage. Learning how to read will tell you if the play will be a pass play or run. Secondly, you need good hips. Your hips need to be able to open up and run with the receivers. Lastly, defensive back coach Trey Womack taught me about acceleration out of my break to get the pick instead of the deflection.
Main Line Media News: What do you think is the strongest part of your game?
Dymond Wright: I think that my strongest part of the game is my vision. I am able to see wholes on the backside, cutback and explode through.
Main Line Media News: Who have been your top football mentors, and what has been the most important thing each of them taught you?
Dymond Wright: I have many mentors that have helped me along the way. My dad taught me at an early age how to hit the hole in two seconds or it will close; he also advised me to be patient but not slow. My cousin Jason Thompson taught me to be patient on defense and every ball in the air belongs to me. My brother, Patrick Wright Jr. always said, “Take advantage every time you step on the field; you never know when it’s your last play. Just go all out.’ Cousins Brandon Shippen (Temple University), Sheldon Mayer (Shippensburg University) and Hershel Thornton have taken time to train with me on off seasons and always encouraging me to go hard. To all of my youth football coaches: Coach Tobias Darden, Coach Keith Barnett, Coach Marcus Moriniere, Coach Rob Jackson, Coach Rodchine Lusane, Coach Scott Hisey, for planting the seed and allowing it to blossom to the athlete that I am today. Coach John Jefferson and Coach Brandon Montgomery for all their continuous dedication to helping me excel to the next level. Coach Eric Taylor, my 7-on-7 coach for the past two years. Mr. Jace Jones for being there through all the off season workouts and advice on life. Coach Aaron Brady and the current staff for giving me the opportunity to show my talent and lastly, Also my cousin, the late Jack Tatum.
Main Line Media News: What colleges are among your current favorites? What do you think you’d like to major in?
Dymond Wright: I am receiving interest from colleges and universities from all over the country. My career path of interest is business/sports management.
Main Line Media News: Do you participate in any extracurricular activities at Malvern Prep outside of football?
Dymond Wright: I coached track for the middle school, ran indoor track my sophomore year and wrestled my freshman year under Coach Nate Lautar and Coach Todd Brennan.
