Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright is off to the NFL after four years in Knoxville. The Senior Bowl announced Wright accepted its invitation to play in the game Monday afternoon, meaning Wright is forgoing his final year of eligibility.
Officially Accepted! Darnell Wright @darnell_5232 from @Vol_Football is headed to the 2023 Senior Bowl #GBO #VFL #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/CPEk9ixuXq
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) December 12, 2022
Wright played in 46 games dating back to his freshman season and started 41 total in his college career. The massive 6-foot-6, 335 pound offensive tackle has been a staple on the Vols’ offensive line as he’s moved back-and-forth from right tackle to left tackle in his career.
The Huntington, West Virginia native took his game to a whole new level in 2022, earning First Team All-SEC honors while not allowing a sack in 825 total snaps.
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Wright’s play at right tackle earned him SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors twice this season— wins over Alabama and Kentucky.
The former five-star recruit earned a national reputation in the Alabama game when he outplayed All-American and projected top five draft pick Will Anderson.
Wright has yet to announce whether he will play in Tennessee’s bowl game against Clemson or whether he will opt out and begin preparing for the NFL Draft. The multi-year starter projects as either a second or third round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Wright is one of two starting offensive lineman Tennessee will lose this offseason as guard Jerome Carvin is out of eligibility. Jeremiah Crawford and Gerald Mincey split time at left tackle this season and both will have a chance to earning starting spots on the Vols’ offensive line next season.
