The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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AUGUST 2024 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 45 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan's wide receiver room just got a whole lot faster. The Wolverines dipped down into Louisiana and landed one of the fast- est recruits in the country in three-star Destrehan (La.) High prospect Phillip Wright III, who clocked a blazing 10.46 100-meter time this offseason. Wright committed to Michigan over fellow finalists Baylor, Georgia, Georgia Tech and LSU in July. "What made Michigan stand out is how they said they were going to use me," Wright said. "They showed inter- est in me and actually talked to me al- most every day. They really created that bond with me. "That was one of the biggest things with Michigan. I sat down with my mom and dad, and they felt like it was the best decision for me. I like the fit for me as well." Wright made his first visit to Michi- gan for the annual spring game in April and returned for an official visit in June, which really moved the needle for him and made him feel at home. "This visit was one of the best I've been on," Wright said. "I loved the at- mosphere, and I loved how family ori- ented it was. All of the coaches want you to be successful at the end of the day in all aspects of life." Michigan wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy, a fellow Louisiana native, iden- tified Wright early in the process and made him a top priority as soon as the 2025 recruiting cycle came into focus. Bellamy and Wright have a special connection, which played a pivotal role in Wright siding with U-M over other major schools closer to home. "He's a guy like me," Wright said. "He was a highly ranked recruit from Louisi- ana. He told me not to be scared to leave if Michigan was the best opportunity for me. He's a great coach. He knows what he's doing. "He's getting the best pieces for Michigan to go back and win another national championship." Wright is a speed demon and has the potential to be a game changer out of the slot. However, he's also a valuable piece to any offense thanks to his ability to stretch the field on the outside and make plays as a kick and punt returner. Overall, Wright (5-11, 170) sees him- self as a perfect fit in U-M's offense. "I'm bringing that speed," he said. "I'm also versatile and can switch it up. I'm like that. Their offense is pro-style. They get you ready for the NFL. Every- body wants to move on to the NFL. "They do different shifts and get you open. They get their best people in mis- match opportunities. The fans know I'm a speedster, but just know that I'm a game changer when the ball gets in my hands. I make crazy things happen." Wright is the third Louisiana native to commit to Michigan this cycle, joining On300 running back Jasper Parker and On300 wide receiver Jacob Washington. "I think it helped," Wright said. "We all already knew each other. We're bringing 'The Boot' to Michigan, and we're going to make some big things happen. Us playing on the same field is going to be crazy." With his decision made, On3's No. 49 wide receiver nationally (and No. 13 overall prospect in Louisiana) is turning his attention to his senior season. "I want to win another state champi- onship," he said. "I want to have more yards and more touchdowns. I just want to be a better player than I was last year." ❑ U-M Adds Speedy Louisiana Receiver Phillip Wright III Wright clocked a blazing 10.46 time in the 100-meter dash last spring while running track for Destrehan (La.) High. PHOTO BY ZACH LIBBY PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Phillip Wright III has game-changing speed that will allow him to get on the field early as a kick or punt returner. He's a dangerous playmaker in the slot and will primarily line up there, but he also has the ability to line up on the outside and stretch the field vertically. Wright was the Louisiana 100-meter regional champion as a junior and clocked a personal best 10.46 time. It wouldn't be surpris- ing to see Michigan utilize that speed on jet sweeps and other creative play calls. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Wright is more of a track athlete playing football than the other way around. He is still raw as a route runner and isn't a natural pass catcher. He will need plenty of work with the U-M coaching staff to be more than just a speedster. Wright is on the smaller side and needs to bulk up and improve as a blocker at the next level. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: The U-M staff has likened Wright to Roman Wilson, who was se- lected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was undervalued by the recruiting services and was thought to need work as a route runner. However, Wilson had elite speed and developed into a valuable offensive weapon. U-M is looking to get the same upside from Wright. — EJ Holland