Former Razorback Wright eager to reunite with Turner

Jarius Wright (Warren, Arkansas Razorbacks), who signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, worked with Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner for 2 1/2 seasons while with the Minnesota Vikings.
Jarius Wright (Warren, Arkansas Razorbacks), who signed a three-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, worked with Panthers offensive coordinator Norv Turner for 2 1/2 seasons while with the Minnesota Vikings.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Wide receiver Jarius Wright said he's happy to play again for Carolina offensive coordinator Norv Turner -- regardless of where he lines up.

Wright (Warren, Arkansas Razorbacks) signed his three-year contract with the Panthers on Tuesday, one day after agreeing to terms .

Wright, 28, figures to compete with Curtis Samuel for Carolina's third down slot receiver spot behind starters Devin Funchess and Torrey Smith. Wright worked primarily as a slot receiver when he played 2 ½ seasons under Turner with the Minnesota Vikings but said he's ready to do it all.

"With Norv I have played outside and inside and he does a great job of moving guys around," Wright said Tuesday on a conference call. "I think we have a lot of guys who can do a lot of different things."

The former fourth-round pick from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville spent all six NFL seasons with the Vikings prior to be released last week. He had 18 receptions for 198 yards and two touchdowns last season.

His most productive season came in 2014 in Turner's first season with the Vikings when he caught 42 passes for 588 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Wright played four seasons at Arkansas for Coach Bobby Petrino. His best season was 2011 when he hauled in 66 passes for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns to help the Razorbacks go 11-2 and win the Cotton Bowl against Kansas State. He finished his career at Arkansas with the most receiving yards (2,934) in school history and the second-most receptions (168) and second-most receiving touchdowns (24).

At Warren High School, Wright was one of the state's top wide receivers under Coach Bo Hembree. He led the Lumberjacks to the Class 4A state championship in 2006 as he caught 51 passes for 1,086 yards and 15 touchdowns. In 2007, Wright caught 58 passes for 1,350 yards and 15 scores.

Wright said he thinks Turner will be a good fit in Carolina and great for quarterback Cam Newton because of the way he likes to attack down the field.

"He does a good job of getting the receivers the ball down the field, as well as on screens and reverses," Wright said. "With Cam and his strong arm I know he will get the ball down the field because that is what Norv likes to do."

Wright has become known for his production on third downs where he has registered more than 40 percent of his career receptions and more than 45 percent of his yards receiving.

He's the second experienced wide receiver to join the Panthers this offseason. The Panthers previously traded for Smith, giving them a player with more big play speed to play opposite Funchess.

Wright said getting released by the Vikings didn't affect his confidence.

"I have full belief in my talents so I knew I would be playing somewhere, but I didn't know where," Wright said.

photo

AP file photo

Jarius Wright had 18 receptions for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings last season.

Sports on 03/21/2018

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