Unexpected leader stepping up for Tennessee Vols
The Tennessee Vols lost several key leaders this offseason. Players like Hendon Hooker, Jerome Carvin, and Trevon Flowers were key leaders for Tennessee in 2022, but those guys won't be back on the field at Neyland Stadium in 2023. That means the Vols need some guys to step up and fill some of those leadership […]
The Tennessee Vols lost several key leaders this offseason.
Players like Hendon Hooker, Jerome Carvin, and Trevon Flowers were key leaders for Tennessee in 2022, but those guys won't be back on the field at Neyland Stadium in 2023.
That means the Vols need some guys to step up and fill some of those leadership roles ahead of this upcoming season.
Quarterback Joe Milton, who is expected to be Tennessee's starter in 2023, will obviously be one of those leaders. Milton was a team leader for the Vols last season despite backing up Hendon Hooker. He'll be even more of a leader for UT this upcoming season.
Tennessee, however, will need more than just one leader. It takes numerous team leaders to ensure a team can reach its ultimate goal.
Many of those roles will sort themselves out as the Vols continue their offseason preparations for the 2023 season.
There's one unexpected offensive player, though, that's already stepping up as a leader this spring.
According to 247Sports, Vols junior running back Jaylen Wright is carrying himself "like an upperclassman" and "leading the line through drills and showing the other backs how to go through the reps".
Wright operated as Tennessee's No. 2 running back last season behind Jabari Small.
Small may have received more carries than Wright last season, but Wright was actually the Vols' leading rusher. The North Carolina native rushed for 875 yards on 146 carries while Small rushed for 734 yards on 157 carries.
Wright showed improved toughness and an ability to run between the tackles last season. At this point, I think he can be considered a "complete" running back thanks to his ability to break off a big run, pick up valuable yards after contact, and pass protect.
When you combine those skills with Wright's improved leadership, it suggests that he'll be Tennessee's top option at running back in 2023 instead of Small (sophomore Dylan Sampson and true freshman Cam Seldon will also be heavily in the mix).
Tennessee is in good shape at running back entering the 2023 season. And they should be in good shape from a leadership standpoint, too. Wright won't be the only new leader stepping up for the Vols this offseason.
