When Big Ten football fans hear the name Jason Wright, fear is the last thing that comes to mind.
In fact, most simply ask, “Who?”
Considering the 5-foot-10, 210-pound junior tailback carried the ball just three times his first two seasons at Northwestern, that’s a reasonable question.
But Wright, who is attempting to fill the shoes of the Wildcats’ all-time leading rusher Damien Anderson, leads Northwestern (2-2) with 346 yards on 66 carries (5.2 yards per carry).
“I’m not going to lie, it definitely feels good to be back at my natural position,” said the former first-team all-state tailback at Diamond Bar High, in Diamond Bar, Calif.
That’s right, the reason many Big Ten fans haven’t heard of Wright is because he spent his first season and a half playing wide receiver for the Wildcats. It wasn’t until last season when Northwestern’s lack of depth at tailback raised concerns, that he finally got a chance to carry the ball.
“College can do that sometimes,” Wright said. “But its working out fine.”
The move back did take some time, however, as Northwestern’s single-back, multiple-formation open offense was different from his high school days.
But last Saturday against Navy, Wright demonstrated what he’s capable of doing once he fully grasps the system. Given the ball 21 times, he rushed for 186 yards and three touchdowns, including the game winner with 3 minutes, 26 seconds remaining.
Even more impressive was the fact Wright left the game in the second quarter suffering from cramps.
His performance earned him the honor of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. It marked the first time since 1997 that a player was granted the offensive honor and special teams honor in the same season, as Wright claimed Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 9 after returning a kickoff for 100 yards against TCU.
“He’s kind of emerged as one of the top running backs in the conference,” Spartan head coach Bobby Williams said. “He’s very impressive.
“He’s a strong runner, and he’s got excellent change of direction.”
Wright credits much of his success to Anderson, whose 4,485 career rushing yards and 38 career touchdowns are all-time records at Northwestern. He said the Wildcats still watch a lot of tape on Anderson, who’s the only tailback to ever eclipse 2,000 yards (2,063 in 2000) in a single-season at Northwestern.
“He outworked everybody at all times,” Wright said. “He’s definitely a model for us to build on.”
Following a disappointing season for the Wildcats in 2001, Anderson wasn’t drafted. But he is a member of the Arizona Cardinals practice squad.
Wright said he’s starting to get a better feel for the Wildcat offense, adding his time as a receiver made him a better all-around player.
“I think it’s a very good offense for a running back,” he said. “It let’s you utilize your vision.
“I have a lot of fun playing in it.”
Northwestern’s offense hasn’t been fun for the Spartans (2-2). In 2000, the Wildcats spanked MSU 37-17 in Spartan Stadium. And in 2001, Northwestern claimed a 27-26 victory at Ryan Field.
“It’s a handful to prepare for,” Spartan defensive coordinator Bill Miller said. “It always is.”
