Tulsa's Loss Is Ga. Tech's Gain

[GreenBat]

Wright sets sights on Georgia Tech

Burt Henry

Express-News Staff Writer

Reagan running back Marcus Wright, a two-time Express-News Area Offensive Player of the Year, said late Tuesday night he has changed his mind and has committed to Georgia Tech.

Wright originally had committed to Tulsa last summer.

"We just didn't feel like (Tulsa) was the right fit for us," said Wright, who rushed for a city-record 3,374 yards in leading Reagan to the Class 5A Division I state quarterfinals.

Wright, whose parents are from Georgia, said he was impressed by the new Georgia Tech coaching staff.

They started contacting Wright just before the U.S. Army All-American Bowl two weeks ago.

Paul Johnson took the Georgia Tech job in December after coaching at Navy for the past six seasons. He guided the Midshipmen to a victory over Notre Dame this season — Navy's first over the Irish since 1963 — and a fifth-straight bowl bid.

The Midshipmen led the nation in rushing for the third consecutive season with an average of more than 350 yards per game. That was enough to persuade Wright to commit to the Yellow Jackets.

"They have three running backs on the field most of the time," Wright said. "And at least one of those positions is a running back who requires a lot of speed. I just thought that would be right for me."

Wright, the Associated Press Class 5A Offensive Player of the Year, said he will take an official visit to Georgia Tech this weekend and does not have any other visits planned.

Commitments are nonbinding. National signing day is Feb. 6.