Interview: Versatile 2019 ATH Tahj Wright Talks Season and Recruiting Process

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If Tahj Wright has proved anything on the California gridirons over the past two seasons, he has proven he is one of the top versatile athletes on the field at any given time. With Bakersfield in 2017 and then with Ridgeview High School in 2018, coaches on both sides of the ball and with both programs have utilized Wright’s given talents in a myriad of ways.

Hard to stamp a label on Wright’s talents other than athlete. From quarterback, running back, receiver, corner, and safety, the 6-0, 180-pound, recruit can do it all. In 12 games during his junior season, Wright rushed for 401 yards with four scores off 50 carries and caught 23 passes for 613 yards with nine more scores. On defense he accounted for 27 tackles and three picks. Jump to his senior year with the Wolf Pack, Wright tallied 20 stops, a tackle for a loss, two forced fumbles, broke up 10 passes, and swiped four passes. On offense he played some QB hitting 14 passes for 174 yards with two touchdowns, rushed 41 times for 289 yards with four trips to the end zone, and secured 11 passes for 123 yards with two more scores going up on the board.

Because of Wright’s versatility in so many areas on the field, so it seems, college coaches are unsure where to play him. Montana State has offered with programs like San Diego State, UCLA, and Eastern Washington, among others, showing interest.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Wright to learn more about his senior year and recruiting process.

Interview

Tahj, you did as much as you could for the Wolf Pack in 2018 playing all over the field. Where all did you line up this past season?

“I was at QB and switched off going to defense to help there at corner and free safety.”

How did you prepare each week for such a big role on both sides of the ball?

“It was hard. I’d watch a lot of film, workout, practice, and make sure I was prepared.”

Comparing your junior season to your senior year, what were the major differences and areas of improvement?

“It was pretty difficult going into the season. Going to a new school, knowing most people were D-I kind of players, I believed in myself and the team and I pushed forward. On defense, I became a better reader of offenses on the field – I improved my football IQ. At QB, playing quarterback made my leadership skills better.”

What are your overall strengths on offense?

“I got hands. I do have that.”

And on defense, what are your strengths on that side of the ball?

“I’m very aggressive. I play defensive like a receiver, I go get the ball.”

An unfair question, but which position or positions are your favorite or do you consider to be your best?

“I like playing safety.”

What have you been working on this offseason?

“I have been working on drills as a safety and corner, all the drills, and I’ve been working on getting bigger.”

Are you playing any other varsity sports for Ridgeview?

“Yes. I am playing basketball.”

You have an offer from Montana State, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Eastern Washington, San Diego State, Sac State, UCLA, and Wyoming.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I am planning on going to Eastern Washington on Feb. 1.”

Last question. What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They like that I am aggressive, they like my football IQ, and they know I am a dog.”

Tahj, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of the recruiting process and upcoming visit.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wright family; Tahj Wright at a ProWay 7v7 tournament