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Tennessee football: Five Vols to watch for at Auburn

By Dean Zulkofske

Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) reacts after a play in the second half during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction
Tennessee defensive back Theo Jackson (26) reacts after a play in the second half during a game between Alabama and Tennessee at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020.102420 Ut Bama Gameaction /
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Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (20) rushes as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Simeon Blair (15) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2020; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jabari Small (20) rushes as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Simeon Blair (15) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. 4. player. 839. Pick Analysis. Running back. Freshman. Jabari Small

6’0″ 200 pounds; Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.

Who would’ve expected true freshman Jabari Small to have 19 carries this season spread over four games? Small was handed the ball eight times in Tennessee football’s loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks, rushing for 18 yards and catching two passes for 14 yards.

It’s not necessarily Small’s performance against the Arkansas Razorbacks that makes him an interesting player to watch as the season progresses, but it’s the fact that senior Ty Chandler was only given the ball once. After Chandler injured his ankle against the Alabama Crimson Tide, he was shaken up on his only carry against the Hogs and did not return to action.

Nevertheless, Small has earned his carries, for the most part, putting together 80 all-purpose yards in the four games he’s seen the field. Chandler’s status for this weekend’s matchup is still up in the air, and given his injury was still bothering him after the bye week, let’s assume Small will be given the ball again at some point on Saturday.

What made Small a standout back as a high school recruit was his versatility out of the backfield. Yes, much like UT’s No. 1 running back Eric Gray, Small is shifty and deceiving with the ball in his hands, whether it’s handed to him or he’s asked to catch it.

Gray has been a workhorse for the Vols, but twice this season he’s had a tough time getting solid yardage under him. If the circumstances are right, could this be a breakout week for the true freshman? Keep an eye out for Small to make the most of his opportunities on Saturday.

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