Interview: Talented 2021 Los Angeles ATH Ceyair Wright Updates Workouts and Gators Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The game film on Ceyair Wright says it all – he’s a pure athlete capable of doing anything asked of him at the skill positions. He proved it during the 2018 season with Loyola High School lining up at corner, running back, receiver, kick returner and punt returner. The 6-0, 170-pound, Los Angeles area talent was rewarded for his on the field work off it earning second team All-League honors with offers extended from Ole Miss, Nevada, and BYU.

With the offseason grind in full-swing, interest picking up, and fresh off of a visit to the University of Florida, I sat down with one of the rising stars in California’s 2021 class to learn more about his game and recruiting process.

Interview

Ceyair, going into your sophomore season, did you know you would have such a big role on the team in all three phases of the game?

“No. I was just doing my best to get on the field. That was my first goal. My other goal was to start. Once I got on the team and I was starting both ways, I was given a more pivotal role with the team.”

I have you lining up at corner, kick returner, and as a wing/all-purpose back, am I missing any of your many positions played?

“Receiver and punt return.”

How did you prepare each week for all your responsibilities – all the positions that you played?

“I worked out every day. My dad and I did a lot of film study together and I watched film with the team. My dad and I would make a scouting report looking at what I would be facing that week to prepare for what is ahead.”

The Cubs are in an old-style Dead-T/Wing-T set, how are your athletic abilities used within the offense?

“They use me as running back on the wing, some at tailback, in the slot, and at outside receiver. As you mentioned, I am on special teams and on defense as well.”

How did your skillset improve on offense in 2018?

“I improved on my releases and route running a lot. That is where I expanded the month. Zack Murray, I learned a lot from him. My field vision and ability to see the holes got better. I practiced my explosiveness, and I am still working on it, but that has improved tremendously. My hands got better as well.”

What about on defense, how did that part of your game get better?

“I improved on my press, I have been working with Coach Brown from Ground Zero on that. I train with him a lot. I got better at press, my back pedal – being faster and getting out of my breaks faster. One of my big things I did last year, I would study the receivers to see the routes they would run and which routes they would run given the down and distance. I really studied their tendencies. During the game, I would go down the check list on a given play, after eight yards I know he is not running a slant or a hitch. I would know what routes were coming and I was cutting off routes knowing what is coming.”

Where all might you play on the field during your junior season with Loyola?

“I think playing more at receiver, corner, kick returner – all the same places, but I might get some time in at nickel.”

Which areas of your game are you working on overall this offseason?

“I am working on getting bigger, faster, and stronger. I am running hills and running sand hills. I am working on my press, that is getting a lot better, and I am working on my off-coverage. That is a big part of the game. I am working on my explosiveness and keeping my IQ sharp with the game.”

You mentioned Ground Zero a minute ago, is that your 7v7 team?

“I have played with them, I did this last weekend in a tournament but my primary team is ProWay.”

How is playing with ProWay helping push your game forward?

“Coach Holmes has been a big part of my improvement, I have known him all my life. Playing 7v7 with ProWay is helping me stay on point and helping me get ready for all the camps and combines coming up.”

Speaking of, which camps and/or combines might you attend upcoming?

“I am going to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp on Feb. 17 and I am going to the Nike Opening in Oakland.”

You have the three offers, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I have been talking with Washington, Oregon, UCLA, and I went to Florida over the past weekend.”

How did the Florida visit go?

“It was great. I loved it, it was a lot of fun.”

What all did you do during the visit?

“We put on the uniforms and went on the field. The Swamp has a crazy atmosphere, you can tell. The visit was a good experience.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes. I plan on going to Stanford during the offseason, possibly Notre Dame, Oregon, Washington and some local schools around me.”

Are you playing any other sports for Loyola?

“Yes, baseball and track. I am trying to do both this year. We’ll see how it goes.”

Which events in track might you run?

“I ran the 400 in the Junior Olympics. I will also run the 100 to work on my straight-line speed.”

What is one thing most people would be surprised to find out about you away from football?

“They might be surprised to find out that I am also an actor.”

Very cool. Which shows or movies have you appeared in so far?

“Some of the TV shows were Two Broke Girls and Training Day and the movie I was in is called Magic ‘85. Acting is something I like to do on my free time.”

Ceyair, thanks for your time today and good luck with your 7v7 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wright family; Ceyair Wright at Florida