Volunteer Country

Tennessee RB Named SEC Freshman of the Week

The Vols' freshman rusher Jaylen Wright earns SEC honors for his performance against Vanderbilt.

Jack Foster

In the absence of Tiyon Evans, Jabari Small has been handling the lion's share of Tennessee's rushing duties over the past few weeks, and freshman running back Jaylen Wright has been involved in a complimentary role. Against Vanderbilt, Wright had a career-best 112 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, earning him SEC Freshman of the Week honors.

Wright led the Vols in rushing against Vandy, but the majority of his work came in the second half when Tennessee was icing the game away. Wright averaged 7.5 yards per carry and 46 of his yards came after contact. 

Of Wright's 112 yards, 86 came in the second half, including a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to end his impressive day. In November, Wright led all SEC freshmen in rushing yards per game (64.75) and total rushing yards (259) according to UT Athletics Communications. 

Wright and rushing mate Jabari Small eclipsed the century mark in Tennessee's 45-21 win over Vanderbilt, as Small had 103 yards on 15 carries and two scores. It marks the first time a pair of Vol rushers each had 100+ yards rushing since Week one when Small and Evans had 116 yards. 

The Durham, North Carolina, native has done a solid job relieving Evans and Small throughout the season, as both top backs have dealt with injuries. 

With Evans having entered the transfer portal on Friday, Wright figures to serve as the second punch in the Vols' rushing attack in their bowl game. 

Below is a list of all Volunteers who have received weekly SEC honors this season.

QB Hendon Hooker – Offensive (Nov. 8)
DB Brandon Turnage – Defensive (Oct. 11)
OT Cade Mays – Offensive Line (Oct. 4 & Nov. 8)
RB Len'Neth Whitehead – Freshman (Oct. 4)
RB Jaylen Wright – Freshman (Nov. 29)
WR/RS Velus Jones Jr. – Special Teams (Nov. 22)

Wright finishes his first year on Rocky Top fourth on the team with 355 yards and four touchdowns on 68 carries in eight games. 

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Jack Foster
JACK FOSTER

Jack is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Journalism/Electronic Media. Jack grew up in Paris, Tennessee, but now spends the majority of his time in Knoxville doubling as a student and sports journalist for Volunteer Country. Jack has been a sports junkie since he was a young kid and always watched NFL football with his dad on Sundays. Jack still follows the NFL religiously, as he is an avid fantasy football player. Jack started with Volunteer Country in May of 2021 and has since helped provide full coverage of football, baseball and men's and women's basketball. Jack also works as a recurring member of WUTK's Rock Solid Sports show on Wednesdays and Fridays, and he also serves as head sports producer of The Volunteer Channel's Vol News, a student-run show at the University. When Jack is not watching or covering sports, find him on the golf course or back home spending time with his parents, younger sister and friends. Follow Jack on Twitter and Instagram by clicking "Twitter" and "Instagram" to see all of his work with Volunteer Country as well as student media.

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