RECRUITING: Wright letting numbers do his talking

Brandon Wright’s top goal this season is leading the Palo Verde football program to its first state championship since 2004.

But the senior running back has also set an individual objective: surpassing 2,000 rushing yards in hopes of convincing recruiters he can be a college running back.

Wright said he is weighing scholarship offers from California, Colorado, San Diego State and Utah, but the offer from Cal is in the ambiguous “athlete” position.

“I’m trying to make a statement to colleges that I’m a running back,” the 5-foot-11-inch, 190-pound Wright said. “For me, putting up 2,000 yards would be more than enough explanation.”

Wright is off to a fast start, rushing for 472 yards and six touchdowns on 39 carries in two games, both Palo Verde victories.

Wright plans by next week to begin scheduling official campus visits. He said he has no timetable for an oral commitment, which wouldn’t become binding until the Feb. 2 signing day.

“Basically, whenever I feel comfortable, I’m going to go ahead and commit,” he said.

Wright said sticking at running back, playing in warm weather and how he meshes with a coaching staff will be keys in his recruitment.

“I’m hoping to go somewhere that’s close, where people can notice I’m a running back and not move me to another position,” Wright said.

Wright led the Panthers’ rushing attack with 1,181 yards last year and is nearly halfway there after two games this season in more of a featured role.

“This is my third year playing on varsity,” said Wright, who transferred from Centennial to Palo Verde after his sophomore year. “I see a lot of stuff faster than it’s open. It’s way easier than last year.”

MUHAMMAD STARS — Bishop Gorman basketball star Shabazz Muhammad solidified his spot near the top of various recruiting rankings with a dominant showing at the adidas Nations Global Experience in Chicago in August.

Muhammad, who will be a junior swingman this season, led USA 2012 with 18 points in an 82-68 loss to USA 2011 in the title game of the event.

The 6-5 Muhammad is considering offers from, in no particular order, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, North Carolina, Texas, UCLA, UNLV and others.

He has risen to No. 3 overall in Rivals.com’s rankings for the class of 2012 and holds the No. 1 spot among shooting guards.