Former Reagan running back Marcus Wright, who signed with UTSA in February after playing three of the past four seasons at Georgia Tech, has had a change of heart.
He still plans to complete his college career in San Antonio this fall, but it won’t be with the Roadrunners.
Wright plans to enroll at the University of the Incarnate Word after he graduates from Georgia Tech next month and play his senior season with the Division II Cardinals.
Slowed by an ankle injury he sustained before the start of preseason workouts last year, Wright decided to sit out Georgia Tech’s 2011 season after playing for the Yellow Jackets in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
"It feels pretty good to know I’ll still play my last season in San Antonio," Wright said Thursday. "I’m looking forward to offering my services and doing everything I can to help the team.
"I’ve had some time off but I’m working hard to get in shape. I’ve been working out for a couple of months. I’ll be ready when it’s time to start practicing."
Wright said the combination of "admission problems" at UTSA, where he planned to enroll in graduate school, and the departure of offensive coordinator Travis Bush gave him second thoughts about joining the Roadrunners.
Wright has been officially admitted to UIW
Bush left the UTSA staff in February to take a job as running backs coach at the University of Houston.
"The primary reason I decided not to go to UTSA was Coach Bush leaving," Wright said. "He was the main guy that wanted me."
Wright visited UIW during Spring Break two weeks ago and looked over the school and the Cards’ football facilities.
"I met the Incarnate Word coaches but they really couldn’t talk to me because I was still at Georgia Tech," Wright said. "I had never seen their stadium. The campus is smaller than Georgia Tech’s, but it’s nice."
UIW head coach Larry Kennan said Georgia Tech gave Wright his release about a week ago, and that he’s been officially admitted into the school. Wright said he plans to begin work on an undergraduate degree in kinesiology when he enrolls.
"We’re excited as hell about him," Kennan said. "He’s a great back and you don’t forget how to be a great back."
A 2008 Reagan graduate, Wright left high school as one of the most prolific rushers in Greater San Antonio history.
Wright rushed for 7,099 yards in high school
Speedy and elusive, Wright set the San Antonio area’s single-season rushing record as a senior when he finished with 3,374 yards and 45 touchdowns. He helped lead the Rattlers to the state quarterfinals in his junior and senior seasons, gaining 2,185 yards and scoring 31 TDs in eight playoff games.
He ran for 7,099 yards in his high school career, No. 2 in city history.
Although only 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds, Wright would be a welcome addition to a UIW offense that has struggled to make big plays since the Cards started playing in 2009.
"He can score touchdowns," running backs coach Todd Ivicic said when asked what Wright does best. "He’s a tremendous talent. We’re tickled to death to have him. He will do nothing but upgrade our program. He’s big-time fast."
Wright saw limited time in his three seasons at Georgia Tech, rushing for a total of only 265 yards and three TDs as an A-back in Tech’s option offense.
"I’m one of those people who like to see things through," Wright said. "That’s why I want to play that one last college season I have left. I think we can mutually help each other."
Wright, a Parade All-American and U.S. All-American as a senior at Reagan, initially committed to Tulsa before changing his mind and signing with Georgia Tech in February 2008.
UIW finished 2-8 overall and 2-6 in the Lone Star Conference last year.
