Running back Jaylen Wright headed to the Reese's Senior Bowl
Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright announced last week that he was heading to the NFL draft. Wright’s path to the league took another step on Thursday when the North Carolina native was officially invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl where he will join quarterback Joe Milton with an opportunity to impressed scouts on the field as well as meet with NFL personnel.
Wright had a terrific junior campaign 2023 rushing for 1013 yards on just 137 carries. Wright also had 22 carries on 141 yards. Wright was the first 1000-yard rusher for the Vols since Jalen Hurd did it in 2015. Wright averaged 7.4 yards a carry which is the second highest single season per carry average behind Hank Lauricella’s 7.9 yard average in 1951. Wright’s 7.4 yards a carry led SEC running backs and his 1013 yards was good for 4th among tailbacks in the SEC in 2023.
Wright had a great offseason as he worked on his strength and it showed as he had 592 yards after contact and Wright only 19 yards lost this season.
Wright finished his Tennessee career with 2,297 yards and 18 touchdowns. His 2,297 is good for 13th all time in school history and was just 781 yards alway from Travis Henry’s career record of 3,078 which is tops in school history.
Wright signed with former Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt as a speed guy weighing around 185 pounds. He visited as a complete back at 210 pounds as he developed under running backs coach Jerry Mack, developing his power, vision and feel in Josh Heupel’s offense.
“My running style has changed a lot since my first year. I just try to run hard and physical. My thing is to not get tackled by the first man. Always try to make that first guy miss,” Wright said.
“The game has really slowed down for me now,” Wright said. “That comes from me watching more film and studying more backs. Just knowing the ends and outs and details of the game. I try to be very detailed in everything I do. Just knowing the why’s behind everything we do.”
Wright is opting out of the Vols Cheez-It Citrus Bowl match up with Iowa and offered his farewell and gratitude to the Vols last week.
I am grateful for the extraordinary talents and gifts bestowed upon me by God. With His guidance, I believe that all thing are possible, and I express my gratitude for the opportunities provided in every facet of my life.
Under the leadership of Coach Heupel and the Tennessee coaching staff, I have experienced exponential growth both on and off the field. I am appreciative of the trust placed in me to carry forward the vision and for the invaluable knowledge imparted, applicable not only in the game but also in life.
To my teammates, you are the backbone of this remarkable journey. The BROTHERHOOD and family-oriented system within our team have been the driving force behind our shared successes. The bonds formed on and off the field are everlasting.
VOL NATION, your passion, loyalty, and support have fueled our determination. You are the heartbeat of our team, and I am thankful for the backing you’ve provided. VOLS FOR LIFE!
My gratitude extends to my family and friends who have impacted my life, paying a pivotal role in shaping my future as the athlete I am today and aspire to become.
A special acknowledgement to Jay Graham for recruiting me. Your belief in my potential has been a catalyst for my success.
I express my deepest gratitude to my parents for being the unwavering support and love that have formed the bedrock of my journey. Their sacrifices and encouragement have significantly contributed to molding the person I am today. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a family actively involved in supporting my dreams and ambitions.
Carrying the VOLS spirit with me, I am pleased to inform you that my family and I have decided that the next phase of my football career will be to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
— Jaylen Wright
