Wright to stay close to home

Safety/wide receiver Damien Wright is one of the top athletes in the Palmetto State, and he's receiving attention from several programs in the region.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete from Sumter (S.C.) Crestwood runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and possesses great leaping ability. While Wright is sure to hear from programs across the country, the South Carolina prospect may be looking to stay close to home.

"I'm not saying I'll definitely stay in-state or anything," said Wright. "But there are a lot of good schools here with good football also. I have a lot of options in this part of the country in the SEC and ACC. I grew up watching those conferences so I'd definitely consider that first."

As far as local schools go, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Georgia, NC State and South Carolina hold an early advantage. Wright is also considering Nebraska, Maryland, Stanford and several other schools.

"I could play defensive back or receiver in college," he said. "Basically whatever the school I go to wants me to play is where I'll play. I'm real athletic and have potential at both positions. I'll be able to stretch the field on offense and on defense I make up a lot of ground quickly. I play linebacker now, but with my size and speed I would probably be a better fit in the secondary."

Wright doesn't plan on wasting any time.

"I don't want this whole recruiting thing to hang over me for months and months, so I'm going to get moving with it," he said. "I want to camp, visit and see as much as I can soon. I'm not necessarily going to jump on the first offer, but it will probably sway me a little bit."

As a junior Wright recorded 112 tackles, six sacks and an interception on defense en route to all-area and all-region honors.