Interview: Long Road for JUCO 2017 RB Corey Wright Heading to Next Level

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Talent and ability is one part of the success equation at any sport, the next is opportunity and timing. Athletic ability and good fortune appear to finally be on a collision course for junior college Class of 2017 running back Corey Wright.

Wright sharpened his overall football skills at Middle Creek High School. While at the Raleigh area school, Wright played just about everywhere in the back seven on defense ending his senior year at linebacker. After a grey-shirt year at Phoenix College in Arizona and a spring semester with Mount San Jacinto, Wright found his footing with Pierce College during the 2015 schedule.

Some opportunities were presented for Wright during his freshman season at Pierce, but not as much as what is coming around the corner. Wright showed his worth in limited action rushing 28 times for 137 yards. In addition to sporting a 4.9 yard per carry average, he caught one pass out of the backfield for 11 yards, and returned four kickoffs back for 82 yards.

Pierce has a new offensive coordinator meaning a new opportunity for Wright. The 5’10”, 200 pound, athlete is expected to be featured in the new West Coast style offense as one of the key tailbacks for the team. When given the chance, Wright displays good field vision, good speed, great balance, and drives past first- and second contact picking up additional yards to help move the chains.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Wright covering his freshman season, offseason workouts, and high expectations for himself entering his critical sophomore year.

Interview

Corey, playing on the other side of the ball can help players understand the game better gaining better insight to what the defense is keying on to stop the offense. How was your transition from playing linebacker during your senior year in high school to being a JUCO running back? Did playing linebacker help you as a running back?

“It did. Instinctively at linebacker you have your feet in the ground ready to go sideline to sideline. You’re always aware of the angles and coming downhill. Defense is a natural position for me. At running back, I am used to making those moves. Playing linebacker helped me out as a running back helping me allude tackles and making moves. I know what the linebacker is going to do. I can set him up and make a move on him for more yards. I love playing both running back and linebacker. It was not a big transition for me at all.”

You did really well when you got carries last season. What are some of the things you think you do well as a running back at this point in your career?

“Running downhill, hitting the hole hard, and being an explosive back. I’m a hard runner. I’m shifty for my size and I’m elusive. My straightaway speed is getting there. Most of my top game is being shifty and being balanced.”

What are some of the things you improved upon throughout your freshman year be-it in games or on the practice field?

“Catching out of the backfield. Even though I only had one game reception, every day in practice, when we go through the route tree – I was all out. That is pure effort and a time to perfect your craft. My route running has gotten better. Out of the backfield I have gotten better and more precise. Everything was ran technically sound. Catching out of the backfield has really picked up for me.”

You mentioned your speed earlier. What is your 40-yard dash time?

“4.55.”

How did spring ball go for you?

“It went real well. We did a lot of 7v7. I had a really good spring. I did a lot of drills to get better at my overall game. We worked on a lot of team chemistry.”

What type of offense will Pierce run in the fall?

“We run a West Coast style offense. Last year it was a pro-style, a lot under center with a fullback. We will be in the shotgun more with three receivers on the field. We have a new offensive coordinator who is adding a lot of new plays. We may even run some Pistol formations too.”

Have you been named the starter at running back?

“They have not named a starter yet, but I know I will be getting 8-10 touches a game at least. Sometimes up to 15 or more depending on the game.”

What are your personal expectations for the 2016 season?

“I have a high bar set. I’m trying to set a record in California with 2,000 yards.”

Nice! I like that.

“Thank you.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“I’ve talked to some of the coaches that have come up to our school. I’ve talked to Boise State, Washington, Washington State, San Diego State, and UNLV. UAB’s wide receivers coach, Coach (Larry) Smith, said he was going to keep an eye out for me this year.”

Have you been on any unofficial visits?

“Not recently, but I have in the past. I’ve been to a lot of camps out of North Carolina like Ohio State, but none recently.”

Are you going to any camps this summer?

“I just participated in the Elite 11. I’m planning on attending a UNLV camp and possibly a UCLA camp.”

How was the Elite 11 experience for you?

“It was really a great experience for me to be around that type of talent. I got a chance to see Trent Dilfer, talked to Jordan Palmer and Deshawn Watson. These are the guys you see growing up. It was a great experience overall – playing and participating in 7v7, scoring some touchdowns, and meeting other guys in my age group. Sean Clifford (St. Xavier – committed to Penn State) is a good friend of mine now from the camp. A lot of the guys, we’re following each other on Twitter now.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad (James Wright Jr.). When I was young he put a football in my baby carriage. Since then I have had a love for the game. I love going outside and throwing football. My older brother played. I was always playing with him and competing against him. That paved the way for me to try to be the best I could be in football.”

Corey, thanks for your time today and good luck at the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: newsobserver.com; No. 32 Corey Wright in action.

Photo credit: Wright family; Corey Wright game day.

Photo credit: Wright family; No. 39 Corey Wright.