ORONO – Rameek Wright left the University of Maine in 1994, at the end of his freshman year.

Frustrated by his redshirt status and yearning to be home in New Jersey, Wright flunked out.

Determined to prove himself, Wright enrolled at Hudson Valley Community College, where he regained his academic eligibility.

Two years later, Wright made his comeback complete. The speedy wide receiver set UMaine season records with 79 receptions and 1,143 yards last season, earning recognition as an American Football Coaches Association third-team All-American.

The 5-foot-9, 178-pound senior continues to excel for coach Jack Cosgrove’s Black Bears. He leads UMaine with 41 catches, 400 yards and three touchdowns. He is also 10th in country with 6.8 catches per game in Division I-AA.

Wright’s struggles have given him a greater appreciation for what he has accomplished.

“I think about it sometimes, what I would be doing right now if I was home in New Jersey,” Wright said. “I definitely thank coach Cosgrove and [former assistant] coach [Scott] Walker for giving me another chance.”

Cosgrove, who had stripped Wright of his scholarship, sensed a change in the free-spirited Wright when he returned to Orono in 1995.

“His coming back sent us a little message that he had a maturity, an understanding that you had to be a good student to ever experience an opportunity to be a good athlete,” Cosgrove said.

Wright came to Maine after a stellar career as an option quarterback and defensive back at Scotch Plains High School (N.J.). The transition to a new position and to the rigors of college wasn’t easy.

“I was kind of stupid. I let a lot of things slide,” Wright said. “It took me a while to get comfortable and have confidence.”

As a sophomore, Wright caught eight passes in 11 games as a backup. His talent was evident during ’96 spring drills, but something was missing.

“Somewhere along the line, I think he realized you get back what you put in,” Cosgrove said. “Rameek made a commitment to a year-round football program that involved academics, strength and conditioning, and football.”

During the summer of ’96, Wright was one of several Bears who stayed in Orono to train together. When the season arrived, Wright knew he could make a difference.

“I hadn’t proved anything, but I knew if I got the shot, I could do it,” Wright said. “I told the coaches before the season started I was gonna get 1,000 yards.”

Wright averaged 14.5 yards per catch and scored five touchdowns, giving Maine a consistent, game-breaking threat on the outside.

“He really had a phenomenal season,” Cosgrove said. “He’s got an ability to make things happen after the catch.”

Wright has faced new challenges as a senior. He is learning patience as opponents take great pains trying to cover him.

With three TDs to his credit, Wright has found less maneuvering room when he gets the ball on short throws, but his presence helps open up teammates John Tennett and Drew O’Connor.

“Everybody has been making big plays, from the receivers to the tight ends, from [QB] Mickey [Fein] to the O-line to the running backs,” said Wright, who hopes to become a history teacher and/or a football coach.

“If I have two catches and everybody else has 10, it doesn’t matter as long as we win.”