Tennessee Running Back Declares For NFL Draft

Tennessee running back Jabari Small’s collegiate career is over. Small declared for the NFL Draft with a post on his X account on Friday.

“I want to express how this University has made my college football experience truly special,” Small wrote in the statement. “These past four years, the support, love and cheers have made this chapter special and unforgettable. Through all the wins, losses, injuries, shining moments, adversities and obstacles – I gave my all for Tennessee. As I step into this next 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.”

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— Jabari Small (@JMS4_) December 29, 2023

Small, who played four seasons at Tennessee but still had one-year of eligibility due to NCAA COVID-19 relief, did not mention that he’s opting out of the Citrus Bowl in his announcement. However, Small has not participated in bowl practices and did not travel with the Vols to Orlando.

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The Memphis native was a major part of Tennessee’s running back room for the final three years of his four-year Volunteer tenure. Small totaled 100-plus carries as the Vols’ starting running back in both his sophomore and junior seasons. The 5-foot-11, 213-pound running back served as Jaylen Wright’s backup in his senior season, rushing for 475 yards and two touchdowns on 95 carries.

Over his four-year Tennessee carer, Small totaled 2,118 yards and 24 rushing touchdowns on 418 carries. The steady running back totaled 700-plus yards in two of his four seasons.

With Small and Wright opting out of the Citrus Bowl, Tennessee will lean heavily on its underclassmen duo of Dylan Sampson and Cameron Seldon. Sampson totaled 471 rushing yards this season as part of Tennessee’s running back rotation while Seldon played only sparingly in blowouts.