Isaiah Wright turned heads during Season 2 of Last Chance U with his on-field athleticism and off-field struggles. Where is he now?
More: Top 5 players from Last Chance U – Season Two
East Mississippi C.C. athletes are sprinkled all throughout college football rosters: Dakota Allen at Texas Tech, John Franklin III at Auburn, Chauncey Rivers at Mississippi State, Ezekiel Rose at West Virginia University. One name that won’t be listed on a big-time program’s roster this fall? Isaiah Wright – the most exciting player from the shows second season on Netflix.
Wright played two seasons for head coach Buddy Stephens at EMCC and was expected to be the feature running back his sophomore year in 2016. Just like in Season 1 of the show though, the go-to guy in the backfield dealt with serious injuries, resulting in missed games and opportunities.
From concussion symptoms and sprained ankles, to off field struggles too deep to even discuss – Wright’s world never stopped at EMCC, even though playing football did. He’s more than just a Netflix star, he’s moved on to bigger and better things. How did his EMCC career finish up and where is this now-beloved young man now?
Running Back/Wide Receiver, East Mississippi C.C. | 2015, 2016
Wright was one of the most dynamic weapons at EMCC with the ball in his hands. Whether it was in the passing, running or return game, Wright caused opponent’s fits on game day.
During his very first game, Wright returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. He combined for 78 receiving and rushing yards as well, displaying his versatility right from the jump. Did somebody say jump? Check out Air-Isaiah soar for this touchdown that landed him on ESPN!
Even as a backup in 2015, Wright piled up the numbers. He totaled 483 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground while hauling in 16 passes for 252 receiving yards and four more scores. With the departure of DJ Law following the season, Wright was expected to be the focal point of the offense in 2016.
Appearing in 10 games as a sophomore, Wright ran for only 432 yards and four touchdowns. And he wasn’t as big of a factor in the passing game either, catching only 11 passes for 118 yards and two scores. A lot was going on with Wright – mentally and physically – but he powered through as best he could.
Running Back, West Georgia | 2017
Despite possessing all the football talent in the world, Wright dealt with other issues that hindered his ability to leap the college football ranks.
Concussion symptoms caused Wright to miss the second half in Week 3 after being body-slammed on a 42-yard kick return. That first half, combined with games four and five on the schedule, saw Wright get 19 total touches on offense (16 rushes, 3 receptions). He only sat out one entire game (Week 8), but was a non-factor in five other contests where he’d account for six or fewer rushes.
"“He’s a special athlete, you know? You can tell there’s a difference between him and everybody else that’s on the field. He has no idea how good he can be – not that he isn’t now, he is now – but he can be very special on a different level.” – Buddy Stephens | Head Coach, East Mississippi C.C."
A long, tough life outside of football
Personal tragedy weighs heavy on a person’s mind, even if they are a strong player. Wright, along with his two older brothers, grew up in foster care for six years of their childhood. Moving from foster home to foster home, the three brothers formed a bond that was unbreakable. Chronicled in episode two, Wright is heard calling his older brother Camion Patrick and describing his incredible airborne touchdown that made ESPN.
The eldest brother, Eszmone, serves as EMCC’s equipment manager. He’s known as the protector, evidenced by his vivid recollection of the season-ending brawl in 2015 where he couldn’t find Wright.
“He disappeared for a couple of seconds and I could not find him,” said Eszmone. “When I found him, six other guys came and tried to hit him with a helmet. So that’s when I came in, jumped over and hit the first dude, pushed the other dude over him and was like ‘Just back off my brother, just back up.’ And all six people backed off and just walked away.”
Next: Top 5 players in Last Chance U history
On February 1 of this year, Wright committed to West Georgia to continue his football career. He held scholarship offers from Auburn, Indiana, Iowa State and West Virginia. He could’ve joined forces with his brother Camion Patrick at Indiana, or former EMCC teammates John Franklin III at Auburn or Ezekiel Rose at WVU.
***Quotes from Netflix series Last Chance U***