What Tennessee RB Jabari Small said entering the NFL Draft, opting out of Citrus Bowl
Jabari Small made it official on Friday, announcing that he was declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft and is opting out of No. 21 Tennessee’s bowl game against No. 17 Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Monday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
It was reported on Tuesday that Small was not with the team in Orlando and would be opting out of the bowl game. He’s the second Tennessee back to opt out and declare for the draft, joining junior Jaylen Wright, who announced his intentions on December 15, after rushing for 1,013 yards as the led back for the Vols this season.
Sophomore standout Dylan Sampson (103 touches, 646 total yards, eight touchdowns) and freshman Cam Seldon will be Tennessee’s top two backs against Iowa without Wright and Small.
Here’s what Small said about his decision in a statement posted on social media on Friday:
— Jabari Small (@JMS4_) December 29, 2023
DEAR VOL NATION –
First, I want to thank God for allowing me to be in this position. Without Him, none of this is possible. The opportunities that He has provided me have been nothing short of amazing.
To my family: I can’t thank you all enough for the constant support and love you all have given me on this journey. am truly blessed to have a village that is in my corner. You all have been with me every step of the way, and I am truly thankful. You all are my motivation.
To my teammates: The brotherhood and bond we’ve shared is forever and unbreakable. Only a few get to experience this special journey, and I’m grateful I got to do this with the guys in our locker room. I’ll always carry these memories with me wherever I go.
To my coaches: I will forever be thankful for the guidance, mentorship and belief in me. You all have provided me with so many opportunities during my past four years here, which is all a player could ask for. I appreciate you all allowing the kid from Memphis to be himself and grow into the man I am today. The leadership has shaped and taught me in many ways, on and off the field. I am appreciative of every coach I’ve encountered over the past four years here at Tennessee.
I want to express how this University has made my college football experience truly special. These past four years the support, love and cheers have made this chapter special and unforgettable. Through all of the wins, losses, injuries, shining moments, adversities and obstacles – I gave my all for Tennessee. As I step into this new chapter towards chasing my dreams, I will forever carry the pride and spirit of the University of Tennessee with me. After much prayer and consideration with my family, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jabari Small, VFL
Small over the last four seasons ran 418 times for 2,118 yards and 24 touchdowns. He caught 32 passes for 247 yards and two more scores, giving him 2,365 yards from scrimmage and 26 total touchdowns.
Fifteen of those touchdowns were scored during Tennessee’s 11-win 2022 season, when Small ran 157 times for 734 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns and caught 12 passes for 106 yards and two receiving touchdowns, all career-high numbers.
The Memphis native in 11 games this season ran 95 times for 475 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 140 carries for 792 yards and nine touchdowns during a breakout sophomore season in 2021 and ran 26 times for 117 yards in 10 games during the COVID-shortened season in 2020.
