Interview: 4-Star 2019 DE Stephon Wright Taking Recruiting to Next Level as Early Enrollee

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

All high school football players take recruiting seriously, but stepping up the timeline as an early enrollee takes matters to the next level quickly. After two standout seasons playing defensive end for Los Angeles’ Cathedral High School, Stephon Wright is not only preparing for a big senior season but also weighing his collegiate options more seriously as an early enrollee.

Wright worked himself into one of California’s top defensive ends in the 2019 class after coming up with an estimated stat line of 20 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, five sacks, five quarterback hurries, three passes batted down, and one forced fumble during his sophomore season. In 2017, the 6-4, 265 pound, defender took his game to another level compiling 44 tackles, 25 solo, 11 tackles for a loss, five sacks, 18 QB hurries, and came up with two forced fumbles taking both back for scores.

Four-star recruiting status for Wright is not only backed up by his play on the field but by his 15 scholarship offers. The hopefuls includes Washington, USC, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Iowa State, Colorado, Boston College, Morgan State, Kansas, Oregon State, San Jose State, Utah, Washington State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. Interest is still coming in from top national powerhouses making the next couple of months all the more intriguing.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, the talented Mr. Wright breaks his news about being an early enrollee while updating his recruiting process.

*Click link for Oct. 24, 2017 RNG interview with Stephon Wright

Interview

Stephon, how are your offseason workouts going?

“They are going great. The team, we are looking good. We’ve been doing a lot of conditioning. Everything is going great so far this offseason.”

Is there any part of your game you are focused on improving upon before your senior year?

“I am focused on getting stronger. I want to be an early enrollee, so I am going in as strong as I can so I can get rolling when I get to college.”

Are you excited about being an early enrollee?

“This is something I really had to think about for a while. Not too many people can take on that, going from high school to college. I am excited for an early start so hopefully I can play early in college.”

Have you told the schools recruiting you yet?

“No. I just met with my dean (on Thursday) to finalize everything.”

With your workouts, are you doing anything differently this offseason to get ready for the upcoming season?

“I’m lifting the same but doing more speed drills than anything.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 15 offers.”

How is everything going on the recruiting trail with schools showing interest?

“Texas, Cal, and UCLA are all showing interest in me right now.”

Are there any schools showing a little more attention above the others?

“USC is showing a lot of interest, Washington as well.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits in 2018 yet?

“I went to a USC Junior Day (Jan. 20).”

How did the unofficial to USC go?

“Man, it was great. It felt like home. The coaches are great people. Coach (Clay) Helton (head coach) is a great guy. Everything was perfect there.”

Do you have any other unofficial visits you may take this spring or summer?

“I am planning on a trip to Washington in April – an unofficial visit. I want to get out to Texas too. Washington is for sure. Texas is a maybe.”

Since you are going the early enrollee route, when do you plan to start taking your official visits?

“During the season. I may take one this spring.”

Do you plan on attending any national camps and/or combines this spring or summer?

“I am competing at the Under Armour camp next weekend. In two weeks, I have the Nike Regional. I’m not sure when the Rivals camp is being held, but I plan on attending that one too.”

Have you started thinking about when you might verbally commit?

“As of right now, once I take all my visits. It might be a National Signing Day decision.”

When you make that final decision, what will be some of the criteria that will influence your commitment?

“Academics and early playing time. I want a great school that can help me after football – after college. Playing time is another thing, but academics is most important to me.”

Stephon, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with all the upcoming camps and combines.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wright family; Stephon Wright at USC (Jan. 20, 2018)