Georgia Class of 2016 LB/ATH Markus Wright Reminds Us ‘It’s a Great Time to be a Cal Commit’

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

An area long known for change and positive forward momentum is in the process of another turn in a long history of greatness. Berkeley is in the midst of reclaiming college football gridiron glory one standout recruit at a time. One of the members of the 2016 recruiting class, Markus Wright, is ready to help mold the form, perception, and play of the Cal Golden Bears for years to come.

Wright is a 6’2”, 210 pound, athlete from Jordan High School fitted with the skills to play linebacker at the next level. For his Columbus area team, Wright put together a strong senior season despite the Red Jackets having a tough 2015 campaign finishing 3-7. The Georgia recruit played both ways but has made his mark at linebacker coming up with 55 tackles, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and a pick-six in just six games played. On offense he contributed five receptions for 69 yards in limited action.

Cal hosted Wright for the USC game giving on Oct. 31 giving the Georgia native a chance to finally see the school he will be pouring his blood, sweet, and tears into while receiving a top notch education over the next four years.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I caught up with Wright after his trip to Cal to get his thoughts on the visit, an overview of his senior season, and a recruiting news update.

*interview conducted Nov. 6 before Red Jackets final game against Spencer.

Interview

Markus, how did your senior season go for you?

“I missed the first couple of games but in six games played I had 55 tackles, three sacks, a pick-six, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.”

You are about to play your last game as a high school player. How do you feel going into this last game?

“I’m feeling kind of sentimental knowing it’s your last game. It’s tough but I’m going to Cal so I can’t complain too much.”

You just came off a visit to Berkeley, how did the visit go?

“It was amazing! I got in there on Friday, one of the first things we did is go eat at In and Out, my first time to eat there. They took me on a tour and then we met with coaches. Then we toured the campus and I got to see the classes and what that they have to offer for me. On Saturday we went to the game. I enjoyed the game and the crowd a lot. After the game we had a few more meetings on Sunday and wrapped it all up.”

Who went on the visit with you?

“My step-dad.”

Is Cal family approved?

“He loved it. My mom doesn’t fly. It is hard for her to conceptualize everything. She’s still skeptical because she can’t see it and wants me to stay close to home.”

Did the visit to Cal exceeded you expectations?

“The thing that caught my eye the most was academics. All the different degrees and options you have there as a student is great. It really is an amazing opportunity. Another thing I noticed around campus and at the game, you can tell everyone is bought in on Cal. All the students are routing for you. That is a good thing to be around. It’s a great time to be a Cal commit.”

Which coaches did you meet with while on your visit?

“We met with all the coaches. I met with Coach (Sonny) Dykes (head coach), Coach (Art) Kaufman, and Coach (Garret) Chachere. It was great. We all came together like a big family and ate together and laughed together.”

What did the coaches talk about with you as a fit into their defensive schemes?

“Coach Chachere is looking at me as a Will Backer (weak-side) position. But it all depends on how I grow with the weight training and conditioning. I can play either outside positon or I could move inside, it just depends.”

Will you be a summer or mid-term enrollee?

“Summer enrollee.”

Who was your host?

“We went in between two guys, Russell Ude (Westminister School, Atlanta, GA) and Trey Turner (Murphy High School, Mobile, AL). We hung out with Trey a lot.”

Which commitments did you hang out with while on your visit?

“A bunch of guys were on unofficial visits, Traveon Beck (St. John Bosco, Bellflower, CA), Daniel Juarez (Centennial High School, Corona, CA), Camryn Bynum (Centennial High School, Corona, CA), Max Gilliam (Thousand Oaks High School, Thousand Oaks, CA), Matt Laris (Eastside Catholic High School, Sammamish, WA), and Josh Drayden (Bishop Dunne High School, Dallas, TX).”

Do plan to visit Cal again and if so when?

“Hopefully I can muster up a trip in January. I know a lot of others are going in January. I just couldn’t wait any longer. I needed to see it, I needed to see it.”

Are there any schools trying to flip you?

“I still get a lot of recruiting mail but I‘m a Cal bear and happy to be one.”

Do you have another visit scheduled to a school other than Cal?

“As of right no. My mom still wants me to take an official down here so she can go and see what the experience is like.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“Always going good have all A’s and a B in my AP class.”

Have you squared away your ACT or SAT?

“I finished with ACT 22 composite. I get one of the best educations in the world can’t complain.”

Markus, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the recruiting process.

“Thank you. By the way, did I say already that it is a good time to be a Cal commit?”

Yes, yes you did.

To watch Markus’ end of season highlight reel via Hudl click the link.

Photo credit: Markus Wright; Markus at Cal with Coach Dykes and Coach Chachere.

Photo credit: Markus Wright; Markus wearing a Cal jersey.