prior to attending colorado, wright played one season at northeastern oklahoma a&m college in miami, oklahoma. he redshirted in 2002 while he made the transition from linebacker to defensive end. in 2003, wright had 68 tackles (38 solo), with 14 tackles for loss including eight quarterback sacks and a pass defensed. he helped neo to a 10-2 record, the southwest junior college football conference championship and a no. 11 national ranking. in a 34-20 win over blinn college he recorded six tackles and three sacks.