Tennessee football’s top five performers in 38-33 win vs. Florida
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Running back. player. Junior. Jabari Small. 2. 839
19 carries for 90 yards; 3 catches for 32 yards; 2 total TDs
We all wondered about Jabari Small’s health heading into this game, particularly with Cedric Tillman being hurt since both left last week. Well, it’s safe to say Small was healthy. Tennessee football used him as their feature back in this one, and Small more than delivered.
Don’t be fooled into thinking he averaged under five yards a carry. An extra carry is added to his name because he had a one-yard touchdown run in which the refs incorrectly ruled him down before crossing the end zone, so he had to do it again a play later. If that call is correct, he finishes with 18 carries for 90 yards, right at five yards a carry.
Given how Florida stacked the middle with its rush defense, that’s a pretty good day. However, Small, as you can see, didn’t just come through in the run game, although he was key there, particularly with a 39-yard run on the opening drive of the second half.
The Vols were able to use him in the passing game. He had a touchdown run and a reception. Small’s TD catch was actually on an out-route on 2nd and goal from the 16. He outran the defender and maneuvered his way into the end zone. A Hendon Hooker touchdown run was called back due to holding the play before, so it was a clutch grab.