#17 Steven Bright Season 2005-06

2005
Solid performer in first year at new position after moving from quarterback in final spring practices… Played in eight games, missing three following a knee injury sustained at Arkansas… Was the team[apos]s top fullback during second half of season, starting against Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Kentucky… Most of offensive production came as a possession target for QB Jay Cutler… As fullback, rushed for 12 yards on five attempts… Hauled in 17 receptions for 198 yards as receiver out of the backfield… Earned team[apos]s Offensive Player of the Week honors following five-catch, 69 receiving yards performance against Georgia… Best early-season effort came at Arkansas, netting three receptions prior to injury… Also caught four passes in overtime loss at Florida.

2004
Earned valuable experience in role of second-team quarterback… Also handled holding chores for Commodore kicking game… Saw action in all 11 games, getting time at quarterback in eight games… Played substantial minutes versus Florida and LSU following injuries to Cutler… Set single-game career highs in rushing yards (77), completions (12) and passing yards (118) versus Florida… First rushing touchdown came in win over Mississippi State… Had 39-yard keeper versus Rutgers.

2003
Proved dependable in limited QB role… Used solid showing to earn backup role to Jay Cutler, winning job over senior Benji Walker… Impressed versus UT-Chattanooga, engineering pair of scoring drives… Combines excellent arm strength with good decision-making on team[apos]s option play… Showed poise subbing for Cutler versus Auburn… Served as Commodores[apos] primary holder.

2002
Redshirted, though dressed and traveled with team… Served as practice squad quarterback.

High School
Four-year varsity starter at quarterback… Two-time Offensive MVP for Warriors… Dual threat quarterback… 2001 season ended prematurely, with leg injury in ninth game… As senior, rushed for 939 yards and eight TDs on 169 carries, passed for 1,550 yards and 11 TDs, going 121 of 211 (57%)… Amassed 8,386 career yards of total offense – 3,006 rushing and 5,380 passing – accounting for 76 career TDs… Named Athlon Magazine Preseason All-American, Tom Lemming[apos]s Top 25 Quarterbacks in U.S., South Carolina Prep Football Elite Eleven, PrepStar All-Atlantic Region, SuperPrep All-South Carolina, Greenville County Player of the Year, Conference Player of the Year, and South Carolina High School Sports Report AAA All-State Player of the Year.

Academics
Bright is majoring in Human and Organizational Development.

Personal
Son of Tom and Rickia Bright… Born June 28, 1984… Dad is attorney… In high school, was volunteer at local schools, Head Start centers and elderly care facilities… Older brother plays baseball at South Carolina… Enjoys golf and travel.