Vols RB coach Jerry Mack explains how Jaylen Wright has taken his game to another level in 2023
Tennessee Vols junior running back Jaylen Wright had a terrific 2022 season, but he's taken things to a new level in 2023. The Durham, NC native leads the Vols in rushing this season with 571 rushing yards on 80 carries. Wright is fourth in the SEC in total rushing yards, but his 7.1 yards per […]
Tennessee Vols junior running back Jaylen Wright had a terrific 2022 season, but he's taken things to a new level in 2023.
The Durham, NC native leads the Vols in rushing this season with 571 rushing yards on 80 carries.
Wright is fourth in the SEC in total rushing yards, but his 7.1 yards per carry average leads the conference. His yards per carry average is above 7 in large part because of his ability to pick up yards after contact.
On Tuesday, Vols running backs coach Jerry Mack was asked about Wright's ability to pick up yards after contact. Mack told reporters that it's Wright's mindset that sets him apart as a runner.
"The mindset more than anything else," said Mack when asked about Wright picking up yards after contact. "Jaylen always ran the ball with a chip on his shoulder. When he approaches the game, you can watch him in pregame some. He's very, very intense and he prepares very intense. You can see the reflection of it on the field."
"The way he attacks the game, the way he attacks the preparation, when he gets the ball, he's kind of got that mindset (of) 'I refuse to go down'. He doesn't want to make the first guy bring him down," continued Mack. "He's done a lot better job this year I feel like of leg drive. You can see when he goes between the tackles. He's getting his feet up on contact, running on small spaces. The last couple of years you would see guys bring him down with just a shoestring tackle and that no longer really happens."
Wright has essentially been the focal point of the Vols' offense this season. And that's been important for Tennessee with the passing game still searching for consistency.
Last year it was Jalin Hyatt that seemed to take his game to another level. This year, it's Jaylen Wright that's making the jump from good to elite.
Tennessee's offensive scheme puts players in positions to succeed. But ultimately, it's up to the players to put in the hard to work to take advantage of those opportunities. And no one embodies that better in Knoxville this season than Wright.
Alabama QB Jalen Milroe’s comments about Tennessee Football are being blown out of proportion
Not everyone is talking trash in college football
