Tennessee football: Five key Vols to watch for vs. Akron
Pick Analysis. Running back. Jabari Small. 839. Scouting Report. Junior. 1. player
5’11” 213 pounds
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We mentioned on the opening slide that the run game for Tennessee football is how they can shut down the Zips. Akron allows 245 passing yards a game and just over seven yards an attempt, but they allow 224 rushing yards a game and over five yards an attempt. This is where UT can dominate from start to finish.
Both Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small could be key on that front. We’re not leaving Wright off the list because of his two fumbles, though. Small is on the list because more power backs are where Akron gets torched. Last week, Michigan State’s Elijah Collins, who stands at 6’1″ 225 pounds, averaged over seven yards a carry against them.
Dating back to the opener, the bigger the back is, the more Akron struggles with them. Small has morphed into more of a power back. That’s why his 10 carries for 17 yards at Pitt were skewed last week. He had two one-yard touchdown runs and a 3rd and 1 conversion. Remember, the Vols didn’t get those last year.
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As a result, this is the game where Small can finally break out this year. Tennessee football needs his physicality, and it’s even more crucial so they can protect Hendon Hooker. If Small does what he’s capable of doing, he could have 200 yards in the first half, and this game will be over.