Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright played one of his best games Saturday in the Wildcats' 45-37 win over New Mexico in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, then made it his last.
The Wildcats junior told reporters he will apply for early eligibility into the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Wildcats linebacker returned from a foot sprain that sidelined him for most of the regular season to make 16 tackles and two sacks. And with the season now ended, the junior will turn to his decision on whether to apply for early eligibility into the 2016 NFL Draft. According to an NFL scout, he would project as no higher than a third-round draft choice. Wright was the top linebacker in college football as a sophomore in 2014, making 163 tackles and winning the Lombardi, Nagurski and Bednarik awards.
While Wright made tackles all over the field, it wasn't an especially impressive effort from the Arizona defense as a whole. New Mexico piled up 508 total yards, but trailed the entire game and could not get enough defensive stops of its own.
Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon threw for 329 yards on only 13 completions, while receiver Cayleb Jones caught four passes for 182 yards and a score. Wildcats running back Jared Baker rushed for 107 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries.
Both teams finished the season at 7-6.
Wright has until a Jan. 18 deadline to apply for early draft eligibility.
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