Junior running back/defensive back Erimus Wright is in his rookie season on the varsity for Hillcrest, but he’s already learning to embrace his coach’s game-day philosophy.
Start fast, finish nasty.
In order to do that, however, Wright realizes he has to stay patient and it will come to him.
That’s especially important if things aren’t going well — which sums up the first three quarters Friday night, when penalties, a blocked extra point and a key injury held sway.
“Facing adversity, I stay mentally locked in, keep my head up, stay positive and control the game,” Wright said. “Play hard and play at the same level as other people.”
Finishing nasty, though? That’s the fun part of the game for the 6-foot, 185-pound Wright.
He showcased that portion of his repertoire on a 10-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter as the Hawks took a 20-7 South Suburban Red victory over host Tinley Park.
Then, Wright made a big tackle for loss on the Titans’ ensuing possession. He would seal the win for Hillcrest (2-1, 1-0) with an interception. He also scored a TD late in the first half en route to finishing with 14 carries for 93 yards.
All of that offset the effort of senior backup quarterback Cooper Harty, who filled in for injured junior Keoni George and engineered a TD for the Titans (2-1, 0-1) on their first drive. Tylan Landfair caught Harty’s only completed pass, a 29-yarder in the first half. Harty also ran 13 times for 55 yards.
Wright, meanwhile, has had a circuitous high school career thus far. He was brought up to varsity for the playoffs at the end of his freshman year, then played most of his sophomore season on the JV before being promoted again for the playoffs.
Senior running back Denim Riley has witnessed Wright’s evolution up close.
“From last year on JV, he was having a lot of big games that turned heads,” Riley said. “I think he had one game where he had five rushing touchdowns.
“That really opened everybody’s eyes. He should really be playing varsity.”
From Wright’s perspective, Riley has been a mentor of sorts.
“He helped me out when I made mental mistakes,” Wright said. “He’s that big brother that’s never going to let you go.”
Hillcrest coach Kyran Weaver recognized Wright’s athleticism right away, but it was at the end of last season where the beginnings of his leadership abilities started to break though.
It was clear Friday that his teammates on both sides of the ball are beginning to look to him not only for the big play but to lead them vocally as well.
“Definitely a leader by example, but a guy that relates to the rest of the team when needed,” Weaver said of Wright. “He’s willing to do everything he’s preaching and that we’re preaching as a staff.
“It’s always great to have a guy who can be that role model from a visual standpoint. Also, when somebody needs a one-on-one, that push and that motivation or even being consoled, he’s available for that.”
Wright started in football at age 5 and played both running back and linebacker, so not much has changed in his world as far as positions go. Yet everything has changed, particularly since entering high school.
The way he’s playing, a lot more could change in short order.
It’s early in the process, but colleges are beginning to take notice. How he will handle that is akin to his approach to playing under the Friday night lights.
“Be humble and stay locked in,” Wright said.
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.