Three-star UMASS commit Cornelius Wright remains focused on senior season at Columbus
MIAMI (BVM) — The University of Massachusetts signed one of their highest-rated recruits in recent history in three-star cornerback Cornelius Wright. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound Miami native has shined in his performance on the gridiron at Christopher Columbus High School since his breakout sophomore season.
In that season, Wright recorded 16 solo tackles, 24 total tackles and averaged 2.2 tackles per game through 11 contests. He also forced one fumble and helped his team clinch the 8A state championship in 2019. The following season as a junior, Wright and the Columbus Explorers participated in a five-game regular season and a playoff tournament between three counties when their typical season was halted due to COVID-19. The defending champions went undefeated (5-0) in the regular season and again clinched the title and were named the Tri-County champions in 2020.
Wright’s fourth and final year has been a success so far as Columbus finished the regular season at 6-3 (3-1 district). The senior has amassed 19 total tackles, two forced fumbles, seven broken passes, one interception and two touchdowns so far this year. With another playoff run around the corner and Wright’s commitment to UMass solidified, the defensive back remains focused on his high school squad.
“I just try to separate my emotions,” Wright said. “I am still focused on trying to win for my team and get a state championship. I am happy I got a spot locked down at UMass, but still have business to take care of down here.”
A dual-sport athlete in football and track and field, Wright is no stranger to hard work. Though football has been his main focus and passion since he was five years old, Wright also excelled on the track and participated in the 200-meter and 4×4 relay. It was his progress in track that Wright credits his improvements in speed and eventual position change from lineman to cornerback.
“I have always been on the defensive end of the ball,” Wright said. “I was a linebacker at first, but got faster due to track and was moved to cornerback and safety. I will always have a love for track, but the game of football has become my life.”
Wright’s ability to perform at a variety of positions contributed to his collegiate appeal. A solid utility player, he acknowledges that though his favorite position is cornerback, he will be a dominant force wherever he is placed.
“I have always been aggressive and physical, so I can really do all of it,” Wright said. “I love playing corner, but I am down to play any other position — safety, small safety, really anything. If I’m ever moved to a different position, I’m fine with it. Just throw me around and I’ll adapt.”
Wright saw attention from multiple college scouts and garnered seven Division I offers from Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Colorado State, Florida Atlantic, Louisville, Utah State and UMass. With his first offer from Coastal Carolina in January of his sophomore year after the Explorers won the state title, Wright made several unofficial college visits to help with his decision. His eventual commitment to UMass came after his connection with Minuteman defensive backs coach, Jason Tudryn.
“Really, it was Coach Tudryn that sold me on Massachusetts,” Wright said. “When he was explaining everything to me, he kept it real and didn’t focus much on football. He focused on life outside of football and that was the difference maker. That’s when we clicked.”
Wright plans to study business in Amherst at the Isenberg School of Management and has an interest in the military, adding to the plethora of future possibilities.
“A future in the NFL is the life long goal,” Wright said. “But outside of that, once I graduate college, I might go back to school for another degree. I don’t want to work for anyone, so I want to start my own business and then see where life goes from there. The military has always been another dream of mine as well, so the Army could definitely be in my future. It all just depends on how life plays out.”
With a heavy school load, a college commitment and a playoff run on the docket, Wright has little time to unwind and relax. When he does get the opportunity, a quick video game or a night with family is his go-to.
“I’m big on [NBA] 2K even though I do not know how to play basketball at all,” Wright said. “So I’ll do that, or take my little sister out to do something. I am always on my feet. I love working out, too. Just anything to keep my mind moving.”
Whether Wright sees a long professional career in the NFL or chooses to pursue one of his many other career options, success is certain. For now, the senior will fight for one last state championship before his collegiate future begins in Amherst come 2022.
