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When Auburn hosts UMass on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a Selma native will be starting on the Tigers’ offensive line.

Jeremiah Wright is starting as left guard for Tigers. The junior won the starting position during spring drills and held onto it during fall camp.

“I’m ready to hunt, I’m ready to block and I’m ready to get good pancakes,” Wright said before the start of fall practice last month. “I want to be one of the greats to do it.”

Latasha Roller, Wright’s mother and other family members will be sitting in Jordan-Hare Stadium to watch the Tigers, who plays the Minutemen at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. Mary Wright, Edward Roller, Sh’Naya Johnson, Bre’Anna Rogers, Jennifer Rogers, Ka’Marrion Fuller,Malexus Sanders are the other family members who will attend the game.

“I am super excited about going to the game,” Roller said. “I am beyond grateful and excited to see what God and Jeremiah [are] going to do.’’

Wright signed a national letter of intent with Tigers in 2019. The Selma Times-Journal’s All-Dallas County selection was moved to the defensive line, but coaches eventually returned Wright back to offense.

Auburn offensive line coach Jake Thornton said during spring practices that Wright had potential to become a standout.

“He’s going to be a huge part of our offense, and he’s going to be somebody we’re going to build this unit around,” Thornton said.

The 6-foot-5, 335-pound Wright made his only start last season, against Ole Miss. He saw limited action over the next three seasons.

Roller said she’s proud of her son for overcoming adversity to play down on the Plains. 

“Playing at Auburn has not been a walk in the park, but Jeremiah’s faith was not wavered,” Roller said. “Playing on an SEC level is different, and you have to have the work ethic, the heart, the mind, body and soul, and love what you are doing. Jeremiah’s love for God and passion for football is what keeps him going.”