Faith, Family, and Football: Wenkers Wright

NORMAL, Ill. – For the Illinois State senior running back, the journey through college football has been one of growth — physically, mentally, and as a leader. Since arriving in Normal, Wenkers Wright has developed into one of the team’s most consistent and reliable playmakers, carving out a role that reflects both his talent and his commitment to the program.

“My journey so far has been a very fun one, and one that I wouldn’t change a thing about,” Wright said. “I’ve been waiting, and now it’s senior season time, so we just [have to] give it one more go and give it everything I have.”

Wright believes that growth has come with time, experience, and a relentless work ethic. He pointed to one area of his game that has evolved the most since his freshman year — a change that’s helped him become a more complete back and a bigger threat in the Redbirds’ offense.

“Since I’ve gotten here, in the last two years specifically, I’ve gotten the mental capacity to just step in front of linebackers and pick [them] up,” Wright said.

Wright also credits his faith for his career improvements.

“I am big into my faith, so I just really put it all in the Lord’s hands,” Wright said.

For the senior running back, game days are about more than just suiting up. “Flipping the switch,” as he calls it, is all he does right before kickoff. He’s developed a system that gets him focused and ready to perform at a high level. One thing that helps him flip the switch is a pregame call with his father.

“He calls me, and we just talk ball, and that helps me get locked in,” Wright said.

Over four years of football, there are bound to be moments that stick — games that mean a little more or memories that serve as reminders of why the grind is worth it. For Wright, one game stands out as a defining moment in his Redbird career.

“My goal that I was chasing was to have a 1,000-yard season, and I remember the game. It was a home game against North Dakota … the announcer called my name after a run up the middle and with everyone cheering and my parents in the stands screaming he says, ‘he has just surpassed 1000 yards on the season’ and reaching that mark and hearing that, it was pretty surreal,” Wright said.

As one of the seasoned veterans in the locker room, Wright has taken on a new role — not just producing on the field but helping guide the younger players off it.

“Most importantly, I just lead by example,” Wright said. “If I’m telling them how to run something, I am going to show them in practice, and I’m not going to ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.”

Away from the field, Wright knows the importance of balance. He’s got his go-to ways to relax and unwind when football isn’t front and center — a reminder that even the most intense competitors need time to recharge. He does this by spending all the time he can with his fiancée.

“She is such a blessing to be around, and when I think of relaxing, she comes to mind.” Wright said. “We enjoy fishing, although we haven’t been able to go as much, I see a lot more fishing in our future.”

He draws inspiration from those closest to him: his parents, his fiancé, and the Lord. Behind the helmet, there’s still more to the person than the player. In Wright’s mind, he is nothing special.

“The only thing that makes me special is my relationship and my faith in Christ, but when you look at me, I am just your average Joe.”

Wenkers Wright is currently ranked sixth all-time on the ISU career rushing yards list (2,321 yards) and leads a Redbird rushing attack that is averaging around 185 rushing yards a game, with Wright leading the team this year with 306 rushing yards.

For all things Redbird football, refer to wznd.com.