Tennessee running back Jabari Small discusses his feeling on the Vols’ prospects for 2024
Former Tennessee Vols running back Jabari Small will be observing his alma mater from a distance this season.
Small, one of the most underrated players in recent Tennessee football history with 26 career touchdowns and over 2,300 total yards, signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans shortly after the 2024 NFL Draft.
The former Vol is among several undrafted rookies with a real chance of making the Titans’ 53-man roster in 2024.
Before reporting to Titans training camp, Small returned to his hometown of Memphis to assist with a free youth football camp at Briarcrest Christian School alongside Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas (his former teammate at Briarcrest).
In an interview with The Commercial Appeal at the camp, Small shared his thoughts on Tennessee ahead of the 2024 season.
“I think the sky is the limit for them this season; they have all the pieces,” said Small. “They got a great front seven, talent on the back end. And that offense is a well-oiled machine.”
Small also believes redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava is prepared to lead the Vols’ offense as the starting quarterback this fall.
“I think he’s ready for the season,” Small said of Iamaleava. “He has every tool you could want in a quarterback.”
Small expressed gratitude for being able to contribute to the resurgence of Tennessee football under Josh Heupel, rather than joining an already established powerhouse out of high school.
“We didn’t want to go to some school where there were already people there, where the dynasty was already cemented,” noted Small. “To be a part of that rich tradition and great fan base, it was just an amazing experience that I’ll cherish forever.”
Tennessee will kick off the 2024 season on August 31 against Chattanooga at 12:45 PM ET (it’s likely going to be a hot one, so be prepared if you’re attending the opener).
