Georgia 2016 LB Markus Wright Talks Recruiting Ahead of Navy Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Options are everywhere for Georgia Class of 2016 linebacker Markus Wright, and exploring all of his options is exactly what he is doing. The one-time Cal commit parted ways with the Golden Bears in mid-December opening his recruiting back up after nearly six months off the market. Looks and interest have started to come in from everywhere, especially with the dead period ending.

The recruiting process, although surely frustrating at times, is going well for the 6’2”, 210 pound talent. Wright is pushing double-digit offers, with more schools showing interest, after being selected as an All-Region player during his junior season for Jordan High School. Terrorizing opposing offenses, Wright had 95 total tackles in 2014, 70 solo, with 13.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception.

The four-year letterman followed up a standout junior season with another great performance netting 55 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pick-six in six games after overcoming a nagging injury to start the season. Once again, Wright was up for lots of honors being selected All-Region Scholar Athlete of the Year, first team All-Region and first team All Bi-City for the second year in the row. He was also named Jordan High School team Defensive MVP for a second consecutive year.

Schools showing various levels of interest in Wright, even after he had his recruiting closed for so long, have included Kentucky, Georgia State, Arkansas State, Charlotte, Purdue, Wake Forest, and Louisville. Nine total offers have been laid on the table at last count with two of those options, Army and Navy, being the most recent schools to host the Columbus area talent.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Wright after his visit to Army and just before taking off to visit Navy. During the interview we covered his visit to Army and what he is looking for when visiting Navy this weekend.

Interview

Markus, when you visit Navy this weekend what are some of your goals you are seeking to achieve or some of the things you want to learn about the program while in Annapolis?

“When I first get there, I want to see the vibe from everyone. Not just the players but the students too. I want to talk with the commitments and other recruits to see how they are feeling about the school and program. I want to make sure I am comfortable with the program and then learn more about the academic programs at Navy.”

You just visited Army. How did that visit go for you?

“It was my second visit there. I loved it. The coaching staff was great. West Point is a great place to be.”

How have the coaches at Army said they would use you in their defense?

“They are looking at me at outside linebacker, middle linebacker, or possibly at safety depending on how I fill out.”

What was your overall feeling of the Army campus during your visit?

“The campus was beautiful, prestigious, and everyone was really welcoming there. Amazing to think how many great people have gone to that university over the history of the school.”

You have a lot of offers out there. Of all the schools that have offered or are showing interest but have not offered yet, which schools are showing the most interest in you right now?

“Right now I’m talking to a lot of schools. I’m talking to Army and Navy a lot. I’m open to everyone but really like Army and Navy right now.”

Do you have any other visits lined up right now?

“I’m still debating on taking a visit to South Alabama at the end of the month.”

How was everything in the classroom last semester?

“I had a 3.81 GPA last semester.”

Nice. What have you been doing in between the visits and all the recruiting interest?

“I’ve been enjoying the last semester of high school.”

What have you been doing to stay in shape to get ready to report over the summer?

“I started a 17 week program last week. The program goes seven days a week for 17 weeks. The idea is to produce lean muscle and not get too bulky. I want to have the right body type when I report.”

Markus, enjoy your visit to Navy this weekend and good luck on the recruiting trail the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Wright family; Markus at Army.