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Tennessee football’s top 10 impact players for 2022

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917
Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) warming up before the start of an NCAA college football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, September 18, 2021.Utvtech0917 /
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Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (20) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (20) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 839. Sophomore. Pick Analysis. Running back. Jaylen Wright. 8. Scouting Report

5’11” 205 pounds

Despite the way he ended last season and the hype going into this year, it wasn’t certain that Jaylen Wright would be on this list. He was banged up in fall camp, Tennessee football was getting a lot of production from freshman all-purpose back Dylan Sampson, and they had added Clemson Tigers transfer Lyn-J Dixon to offset Len’Neth Whitehead’s injury.

Since Dixon was an extra all-purpose back to replace a power back, the competition suggested nobody would stand out. However, Dixon has since left the program, and Wright has gotten healthy. As a result, it’s a safe bet he’ll once again be the main all-purpose back.

Wright emerged down the stretch of last year for the Vols, finishing the season with 85 carries for 409 yards and four touchdowns while catching six passes for 22 yards. He gained more experience due to Tiyon Evans’ injury and subsequent transfer. Now, with a better understanding of the playbook, it’s likely he sees a lot more action.

Although he’s not the feature back, Wright showed in the Music City Bowl against the Purdue Boilermakers he can be used on short-yardage plays, and his speed still makes him an elite all-purpose back. As a result, Tennessee football will use him a lot this year.

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