He has done it all for the Wildcats, despite not always liking what he has been asked to do.

Over the last four years, Jason Wright has established himself as the go-to-guy in the Northwestern offense through dedication and hard work.

Northwestern football coach Randy Walker said that Wright has always done whatever is necessary to improve the team's chances of winning.

"A lot of backs, you say 'block' and they don't understand English," Walker said. "Jason is willing to do whatever it takes, whether it's being in the passing game or being a good run blocker. ...They don't come any better than him."

Wright came out of Diamond Bar High School in California as one of the top 100 prospects in the state. As a freshman in 2000, Wright was mainly limited to special teams, but was moved to wide receiver from his high school position of tailback.

"The switch came because I was 190 pds. coming in," Wright said. "I was a frail tailback. I didn't have a lot of the physical play that is needed."

This didn't sit too well with the 5-foot-10 Wright.

"I wasn't happy about the move," Wright said. "High school kids have big egos and we all think we're the best at our positions."

Now a senior, Wright is now looking back on the switch almost three years ago, has realized that the switch was probably good for him. He said playing wide receiver was the only way to get on the field and be a part of the Big Ten champion team.

Wright has become a valuable receiver after moving from backfield, which Wright said was because of the time that he spent playing wide receiver.

Playing wide receiver as a sophomore for the Wildcats, he caught seven passes. Late in the season Northwestern's backfield was struck by injury and lost its top running backs.

Starting running back Damien Anderson separated his shoulder in the eighth game of the season and Kevin Lawrence was injured the following week.

Torri Stuckey finished the season at running back, but during the spring and preseason practice Wright started to separate himself from Stuckey.

But if it wasn't for all of the injuries, Wright might never have played running back in Northwestern.

"The only reason why I got a chance to be back at tailback was because of a lot of injuries," Wright said. "I was moved as an emergency back."

Wright took the majority of the carries and quickly became the Wildcats leading rusher.

"I had been looking to play for tailback because that's where I thought I was best suited," Wright said. "I rededicated myself and won the spot three games in."

He finished the 2002 season with 1,234 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has picked up where he left off this season, gaining 845 yards and making 14 scores.

Wright has given a lot of credit too for his success to his young offensive line.

"I thought there would be a difference, but this offensive line has done a great job," Wright said.

"Those sayings about team chemistry and the value of experience, it's really just a bunch of excuses, because they have done a very good job."

The only thing to slow down Wright this season has been the sprained ankle he suffered in Northwestern's win against Wisconsin two weeks ago.

Wright started last week against Purdue, but was ineffective and appeared slowed by the ankle.

He remains confident that he will be able to play on Saturday, despite being listed as questionable. Wright doesn't want to play if he is going to hurt his team by playing.

Since his early days in Evanston, Ill., Wright has played on special teams. Even as the senior leader he has continued to return kickoffs.

A year ago, Wright had 513 yards returning and returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown against Texas Christian.

"Returning kicks, I love doing it," Wright said.

"Every time you get it, you're trying to score, there's no in-between. You want to score every play."

With every game, Wright has been gaining more recognition around the country.

But Wright is still unnoticed by many.

"Jason Wright is a very underrated back in this league," Minnesota football coach Glen Mason said.

"He's got great vision. If you are out of position, he finds it."

He has found the holes this season and will attempt to continue finding them while carrying the Wildcats to a bowl game in his final season.