2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mari Wright, WR, West Chester University

• Name: Mari Wright
• Position: WR
• College: West Chester University
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 170 lbs
• Twitter: @MariW_7
• Instagram: @mariquez_7

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

As a seven year old kid, I participated in multiple sports such as football, basketball, and track & field. But, it was something about the game of football that grasped my full attention compared to the others at such a young age. The excitement from the crowd, battling with your teammates, as well as making plays no other sport could remotely give me that similar feeling that I truly have for this game.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

As a football player going forward I am looking to fulfill my dream to showcase my ability at the next level and to become the absolute best at my craft. All of the countless training, practices, as well as dealing with adversity over the years has prepared me for this moment and I am ready for it.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player past or present I would choose Deion Sanders aka “Primetime.” He was one of my favorite players growing up and I always admired the way he carried himself as a player. Deion played with a lot of confidence and a lot of his ways I try to take that approach to my game as well. I feel like I would gain so much knowledge as far as being a professional, becoming great at my craft as well as how to be successful at the next level.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment will have to be scoring my first collegiate touchdown as a freshman. There’s a big difference between playing high school football and college football. The players are smarter, the game speed is faster, and the game planning is more strategic. With realizing these aspects at a young age and making the needed adjustments to my craft, it just made my first touchdown much more special. It was more like a “Welcome to College Football” moment and it made me feel like I can play at this level.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I would say my parents and older brother are the people who inspire me the most. Watching their ambition and drive towards their respective careers over the years has always stimulated me in my approach towards anything I transfer my energy to. They have instilled many life-long lessons that I will forever remember and for that I am grateful to have them in my corner.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite offensive scheme would have to be the spread offense. In today’s game, this offense is quickly becoming a trend that most teams run. This strategy’s purpose is to stretch out the defense so that way there is room for different “holes” to take advantage of which benefits my play style. Also, this leads to plenty of big play opportunities as well as high-scoring matchups.

What should we know about Mari Wright the person?

As a person I would say that I am personable, ambitious, and competitive. For the personable side, I enjoy making connections with other people and getting to know them more whether that be on or off the field. In my opinion, establishing a connection with others is imperative no matter which setting you are in. For the ambitious side, I have a strong desire to become the best in any area. If I am lacking in a specific field, I will do whatever it takes to improve and become great at it. Lastly for the competitive side, I always find a way to turn something innocent into a competition. Whether it is in school (who can get the highest GPA in the class); the weight room; board/video games; practice or anything I find a way. My dad always says “It is a competition even when it is not” and that mantra will stick with me forever.

What stands out about your film the most?

The aspects that stands out the most about my film I would say is my speed and IQ. The way that I am able to close the cushion towards the DBs toes quickly and start to separate on routes sticks out the most. Also, being able to show my burst while making the run-after the catch. For IQ, being able to recognize the “soft spots” in the zones during my routes so that way I can be a great option for the quarterback.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

The way I handle challenges both in life and on the football field is that I pray and having faith that everything will turn out the way it should be. God will never give us more than we can handle and I have always been a true believer.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would be getting a player who is driven as well as determined to become the best at his craft. Also, someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to benefit the team as a whole. My passion for this game runs deep and I refuse to let any opportunity slip away from my hands.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

Other than the excitement and the rush I get from the audience as well as the team, I would say the brotherhood is the aspect I love the most about this game. The amount of long lasting bonds and memories being formed as you progress through the years is unforgettable. A lot of your teammates or former competitors can be one of your most genuine connections that could last a lifetime. Not to mention, all of the life lessons being learned that can apply to life outside of football.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve played with has to be Obi Anyatonwu. He does not get enough of the recognition he deserves at the cornerback position for our conference. His size creates problems for receivers trying to run routes. Not only that, his IQ and reading his keys before the snap to add on to his hip movement makes things difficult in the passing game.