It lasted seven months, but when it was time to put the pen to paper to make it official, Mike Wright didn't feel UCF was the best fit.
lt was a wild week before National Signing Day for one of the top quarterbacks in the south, and after taking official visits to Northwestern and Vanderbilt, he has decided to be a Commodore.
Wright actually decommitted from the Knights last week in between the visits. He knew it was going to come down to the Wildcats and Commodores due to what they offer after football.
On Tuesday evening, Wright made the call.
"It was extremely tough, but around 7pm, I called and committed to Vanderbilt," Wright said Tuesday night. "I was looking at each school side by side and Northwestern checked some boxes and Vanderbilt checked some boxes.
"In the end, Vanderbilt checked more boxes. Location, to play in the SEC, the new offensive plan and of course the academics really stood out."
Before the official visit over the weekend, Wright had tripped to Nashville three times. He had a feel for the school and he knew a lot about what it had to offer, but after meeting some top guys, he started getting that feeling about Vanderbilt.
"As soon as I got there for the visit, coach Mason talked me and I have always been impressed with him and liked him. He is a great guy and I respect him a lot.
"I also talked a lot with new Athletic Director, Mr. Malcolm Turner and I loved when he had to say. He laid out his plan for football, for the stadium, the growth of Vanderbilt and it was awesome to hear.
"They both made a big impression on me."
Committing to Vanderbilt felt great, but it was very stressful getting there. Calling to give Josh Heupel the decommitment news may have been the hardest thing Wright had to do throughout the recruiting process. He has a lot of respect for Heupel and the star out of Atlanta (Ga.) Woodward Academy had grown close to that staff.
Now though, he is officially part of the Vanderbilt program and he is looking forward to the next chapter.
"We are going to change the program at Vanderbilt and I can't wait to be part of that," said Wright. "I feel like now I can take a deep breathe again. It seems like five years ago is the last time I could do that.
"They say to enjoy the recruiting process, and I did, but when you look back at it, there are a lot of ups and downs. It is over now, I can focus on me again and now prepare for Vanderbilt.
"I know I am going to a great place that is going to make me better and prepare me for life after football."
Could Wright's younger brother join him there down the road? Mason and his staff have their eye on Alan Wright, an athlete in the 2021 class.
