Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright looks to be staying with the Volunteers football program moving forward.
On Thursday afternoon, The Volunteer Club/Spyre Sports NIL collective announced a new NIL Event Series deal for 2023 with running back Jaylen Wright. The news from Thursday indicates that Wright will remain with the Tennessee football program through the 2023 season.
Not done yet! We just signed Jaylen Wright to a new NIL Event Series deal for 2023 🍊🏈👏 pic.twitter.com/wtX75Nw40r
— The Volunteer Club 🪶 (@TheVolClub) January 5, 2023
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The Durham, North Carolina native just wrapped up his second season on Rocky Top. Despite missing a significant amount of time during fall camp, Wright performed well during the 2022 season, ending the year as Tennessee’s leading rusher.
Wright ran for 875 yards with an average of six yards per carry while also finding the endzone 10 times on the year. Wright also ended the season with only 11 fewer carries than starting running back Jabari Small as Tennessee preached the importance of balance all year.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back’s one pitfall was his ball security. Wright had fumble issues as a sophomore and it limited his playing time in certain situations and games.
Wright’s new deal in Tennessee highlights the quality depth that the Vols will be moving into the 2023 offseason/season with. Especially considering both Justin Williams-Thomas and Len’Neth Whitehead entered the portal following the end of the season.
Tennessee is expected to return Jabari Small and freshman Dylan Sampson who rushed for 397 yards and six touchdowns this season. Sampson, particularly, will be pushed into a bigger role next season even with Wright still in Knoxville.
The Vols also signed Alabama prep running back Khalifa Keith and four-star Virginia athlete Cameron Seldon who can play running back or receiver in Knoxville.
Jaylen Wright got the TD then hit 'em with the Gator Chomp 😳 pic.twitter.com/EfRI90qQwr
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 24, 2022
