Local defensive lineman Elijah Wright has pledged his commitment to Syracuse football as a preferred walk-on, and it’s a special thing indeed.
Elijah Wright, a defensive lineman in the 2020 class who helped guide Solvay High School in Solvay, N.Y., on a wonderful journey during the Bearcats’ most-recent campaign, is committing to Syracuse football as a preferred walk-on, according to multiple media reports.
The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Wright, an all-state first-team selection in 2019 who played a key role in Solvay High School winning its first Class B sectional championship since 2002, held a handful of scholarship offers, from the University at Albany, Long Island University, American International College, Hobart College, Ithaca College, Cortland State, St. Lawrence University, St. John Fisher College and Utica College, per Syracuse.com.
As a preferred walk-on, Wright isn’t eligible for financial assistance at least for the first term, according to the article, but he could receive a scholarship going into his second stanza.
Wright, accepted into Falk College’s Department of Sport Management at Syracuse University, went to high school about five miles from the Orange campus, so it’s no surprise that he is a ‘Cuse fan – and, come this fall, a ‘Cuse player, too.
“It’s a dream come true, knowing my dad went Division I as well,” he told the Web site. “The connections Syracuse has to offer after college was a big factor as well, so I think that was a big selling point for me.”
In his senior stint at Solvay, Wright accumulated 46 tackles, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two interceptions, says Syracuse.com. Plus, as a receiver, he collected three receptions for 48 yards and three touchdowns. Pretty darn remarkable.
Wright also told cnycentral.com, “It means a lot knowing that a lot of the Solvay coaching staff played at SU, carrying on that tradition means a lot knowing I’ll carry on that legacy.”
He added in that story that the ‘Cuse can use him on “the defensive line, offensive line, tight end. So, wherever I can fit in that’s where I’ll play. I’m going to go there, work hard and wherever I play, I play … It’s going to be so surreal, knowing that I’m actually playing for Syracuse.”
Given all the tough things going on in the world due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, a touching tale such as Wright’s is certainly welcomed. Congratulations, Elijah!