Within the ever-shifting world of faculty soccer, the switch portal is as wild as the sport itself. One quarterback is shifting from the SEC to an HBCU soccer blueblood, buying and selling Florida Gator orange and blue for FAMU Rattler inexperienced and orange—and bringing a narrative filled with legacy, grit, and second probabilities with him. Lawrence Wright IV, son of 1996 Jim Thorpe Award winner and Florida Gators legend Lawrence Wright III, is formally headed to Florida A&M College (FAMU).
After a redshirt season at his father’s alma mater, the youthful Wright is making the transfer many Energy 4 quarterbacks are actually contemplating, betting on themselves at an HBCU to showcase the expertise that landed them at a Energy 4 college.
From Father-Son to Coach-Participant
Earlier than his Florida days, Wright IV starred at Gainesville’s PK Yonge Excessive College, the place he performed quarterback below the watchful eye—and difficult love—of his father. Who served as an assistant coach alongside one other Gator nice, Willie Jackson Jr. Collectively, the 2 former Florida standouts tried to resurrect a once-proud Blue Wave program that had been hit laborious by transfers and commencement.
“A plethora of graduates, mixed with outgoing transfers, left PK Yonge HS with solely 24 gamers within the 2023 season,” Wright III instructed All Gators. “We don’t have many children, however we’re working with them on instructing them warrior mentality, develop as males, character.”
That type of culture-building was on full show throughout an exhilarating win over Santa Fe in 2023. PK Yonge pulled out a last-second 28-27 victory. Wright IV rushed for 2 touchdowns and led the group with clutch performs down the stretch.
“My dad at all times instructed me that when the sport’s coming down, I’ve obtained to make a play,” he stated after the sport. “He preaches depth, depth, depth. You’ve obtained to combat again strain with extra strain. Stress breaks pipes, strain builds diamonds.”
These weren’t simply phrases. They had been a mantra he lived by, incomes a most popular walk-on spot on the College of Florida. However after not seeing the sphere in 2024. Wright IV determined it was time for a brand new chapter.
“Thanks Gator Nation for each alternative you’ve got delivered to me,” Wright IV wrote on social media. “It has actually been a blessing from God to play within the orange and blue. With that stated, after a protracted consideration with my household, I’ve determined to enter the switch portal and am open to each alternative given.”
Following a New Blueprint: HBCUs as QB Launchpads
Wright IV joins a rising record of quarterbacks who’ve appeared to HBCUs for a second likelihood to shine. Former Energy 4 QBs are more and more selecting HBCUs for significant snaps and actual growth.
Now, Lawrence Wright IV goals to do the identical at Florida A&M College (FAMU) —an HBCU that is aware of a factor or two about successful.
QB Room Reset in Tallahassee
FAMU’s quarterback room has been something however steady in 2025. The Rattlers noticed vital turnover within the spring, each incoming and outgoing. JUCO star Jett Peddy transferred into the HBCU from Lengthy Seashore Metropolis School after incomes All-League honors. Tyler Jefferson, a dual-threat from Central Michigan, brings two years of FBS expertise to the desk. CJ Montes, a Walter Payton Award finalist at Fordham, initially dedicated to FAMU however reversed course and rejoined Kent State.
After which there’s the departure of redshirt junior Junior Muratovic, who entered the portal after three seasons in Tallahassee.
Briefly, the room is gifted—however unsettled. That’s the place Wright IV may are available.
He’s walked into strain earlier than. He’s performed below the highlight of a household legacy. And now, with FAMU eyeing a return to the Celebration Bowl in 2025. The quarterback job could possibly be up for grabs.
Diamonds within the Rattler Tough?
FAMU has constructed its identify on dominant defenses and explosive ability expertise, however discovering stability at quarterback would be the key to a championship run this fall. Head coach James Colzie III has inherited excessive expectations and a roster filled with playmakers, however he wants somebody below middle who gained’t flinch when the strain is on.
Lawrence Wright IV could not have taken a university snap but. However his background and pedigree make him a participant to observe. The street from walk-on to starter isn’t simple. However diamonds are solid below strain, and in Tallahassee, Wright IV is perhaps able to shine.
