DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - When Mark Ramsey was appointed St. Teresa's head football coach in 2016, he knew he would be inheriting a talented group of players. What he didn't know was how a sophomore running back named Jacardia Wright would take the program to new heights.
Now, Wright has signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent with an opportunity to compete in the National Football League.
"I still remember, when he was a sophomore in high school, him talking to me about, wanting to be a professional football player," Ramsey recalled. "He was more focused. I talked to him a little bit ago on the phone, before the draft. And, you know, that's a pretty good jump for him."
Wright finished his Saint Teresa career ranked second in IHSA history for career rushing yards. He totaled over 8,800 yards on the ground, tallying 133 touchdowns.
"Everyone asks me who's the best back you've ever coached, Ramsey said. "I said by far Jacardia is the most talented."
The abilities Wright had set him apart from anyone on the field. Coach Ramsey said there were several occasions where Jacardia received limited touches but made the most of them by turning the carries into touchdowns. Once St. Teresa had a comfortable lead, out of respect for the opponents and caution for safety, Wright would sit the remainder of the game.
"There were some games where he only carried the ball four or five times," Ramsey said. "I remember a game where he ran the ball four times and never got touched and scored four touchdowns."
Despite the abilities as a running back, Ramsey says many college recruiters viewed Wright as more of an asset on defense. Often, teams would site the need for a strong safety or cornerback. While Wright opted to stay on the offensive side, he made clutch plays for the bulldogs on both sides of the ball.
Coach Ramsey shared a story about a St. Teresa game against Tuscola where the teams were neck and neck on the scoreboard. The Warriors had marched down the field and into the red zone, eventually throwing a fade route to one of their receivers. Instead of it ending in a score, Wright was in coverage, jumped to make the interception, and returned the catch 105 yards for a pick-6 the other direction. The play is one that still is fresh in Ramsey's memory.
"I saw all those runs. He carried the ball a lot," the coach said. "But as far as turning a game around, that might've been his best play."
Wright signed on to continue his career at Kansas State after he graduated from St. Teresa, but saw a limited workload due to similar talent around him. In three seasons with the Wildcats he carried the ball just 133 yards and scored one touchdown. He wasn't as productive and opted to transfer to Missouri State, a decision which Coach Ramsey says demonstrated growth and courage.
"Everybody matures at different levels and everybody has struggles with that," Ramsey adds.
Wright went on to finish ninth on Missouri State's all-time rushing list, carrying the ball 2,231 yards and scoring 29 touchdowns. His contributions earned him All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team selections the last two seasons.
Despite not being drafted this offseason, Wright has an opportunity to shine at the next level under his free agent contract. Coach Ramsey says he couldn't be more proud.
"I wish him the best and hope to see him on Sundays," Ramsey said.
The Seattle Seahawks summer training camp is set to begin in July. Wright will be fighting tooth and nail for an opportunity to land on the next season's roster.
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