Georgia 2016 LB Markus Wright gives Insight on Verbal Commitment to Army
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
A long and winding road full of ups-and-downs came to an end on Tuesday night when Markus Wright verbally committed to Army West Point. All things have come up roses for Wright but only because the Jordan High School star was not sour grapes about the recruiting process.
Wright, pun intended, did everything right during his time on and off the Georgia high school football gridiron. The 6’2”, 210 pound, athlete was a two-way star for Jordan coming up with 95 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception along with 23 receptions for 346 yards with five scores during his junior season. His senior season was limited to six games but he still had 55 tackles, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, three sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown. His play was thought highly enough earning All-Bi-City and All-Region honors for a second consecutive year also adding All-Region Scholar Athlete of the Year to his list of awards.
Before his senior season began, Wright had three offers; Cal, Alcorn State, and Army. Over the summer, Wright committed to Cal but in mid-December, when everything seemed to be wrapped up in a nice little bow, Wright and the Golden Bears parted ways. Luckily for Wright, offers and interest had continued to come with Navy, Air Force, South Alabama, Mercer, Florida A&M, and Alabama A&M all extending offers.
Leading up to Wright’s Tuesday announcement, he took an official to Army on Jan. 9 and one to Navy on Jan. 16. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Wright after his commitment to Army to get the inside scoop on the Army verbal pledge.
Interview
Markus, first off, congratulations on your commitment to Army.
“Thank you.”
What influenced you to commit to Army last night?
“I committed to Army West Point during dinner with Coach (Jeff) Monken (head coach), Coach (Jay) Bateman (defensive coordinator), and Coach (Mitch) Ware (quarterbacks). We were at my favorite Mexican restaurant. We talked for a while about my future. I felt so comfortable so I pulled the trigger.”
What was the reaction of the coaches when you committed?
“They were ecstatic. They feel that I can play a big role on the team – everyone was just happy.”
How did you feel at that moment, right before you made this big decision?
“I was not nervous, I was content and happy with my decision. I knew this would be a good home for me.”
You mentioned the role that they will have you play once on campus. What role or how are they going to use you?
“They are going to play me at inside and outside linebacker to find the best fit. Wherever they need me, I’ll go.”
You just visited the campus. Obviously the visit went well. What was your overall impression of the campus and the visit? What did you like?
“It was the vibe around the campus. All the players, coaches, and students were excited and really welcoming. Everyone on the team is bought in with the coaching staff and there was zero negativity.”
When your playing days are finished with Army, what is the length of commitment required to serve?
“Five years.”
What are your thoughts on the five-year commitment to the Army?
“I’m satisfied with the commitment. I’ll be in a leadership and learning from being around other great people. I’ll go into the field that I choose and at the end of that five-year commitment I can either go corporate or stay in the Army.”
Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?
“Of course. I have a really good friend that went on the visits to Army and Navy with me, Josh White (ATH – 6’4”, 220). Josh is from the Atlanta area and goes to Walton High School.”
What did you do last night to celebrate?
“We just tried to soak it all in. I watched everything on Twitter and Facebook for a little while.”
Markus, thanks for your time today, and again, congratulations on your commitment.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Wright family; Markus during a visit to Army.