Jabari

Small

PFF’s Nathan Jahnke characterized Chestnut’s status as being “penciled in as the third back, but he’s facing competition.” Chestnut picked up three total first downs, forced four missed tackles and produced one explosive, 10-plus-yard run play and one explosive 15-plus-yard pass play via 15 touches on Saturday. Both Chestnut and undrafted free agent rookie RB Jabari Small appear to have surpassed Hassan Haskins on the depth chart. Small rushed seven times for 13 yards and caught 4-of-4 targets for 24 yards, tacking on two first-downs gained and one explosive 15-plus-yard pass play. Chestnut and Small are on the dynasty radar.

Small (5’9/198) is a slightly undersized back who spent four years at Tennessee. Appearing on the verge of a breakout in 2021 when he rushed for 140-792-9 as a sophomore, Small added another 157-734-13 in 2022 but was relegated to RB2 duties behind fellow 2024 draft class mate Jaylen Wright. Small offered limited upside as a pass-catcher, and struggled to evade defenders while with the Vols. He’s a willing blocker, but his size could present challenges when it comes to slowing pass rushers. Small could earn a role as an early-down runner if needed, but it’s unlikely he ever develops into a lead back.

Small stepped up towards the end of the season when he took over the lead back duties after Tiyon Evans entered the transferred portal. He and Jaylen Wright split carries for most of this game and was it was very effective. Both runners were able to get an open lane from their offensive line to move the ball. That’s what got Small into the end zone as he went up the gut for the two-yard score. Small was the one who was able to gain the big yards in this game. His most significant moment came late in the fourth when he was able to break off a big 60-yard run that would result in a touchdown to tie this game at 38. This was undoubtedly an exciting end to this game as both teams traded off big plays and went touchdown-for-touchdown. The only moment that will have you scratching your head is why did Tennessee go for the big play when they were close to field goal range instead of giving the ball to Small? The Vols had to settle for a 56-yard field goal attempt that was missed to force overtime and would eventually lose. The sophomore certainly proved he could lead the backfield in this offense. With quarterback Hendon Hooker, wide receiver Cedric Tillman and Small on this team, watch out for the Vols in 2022.

With lead running back Tiyon Evans hitting the transfer pool, this gave Small (5'11/206) an opportunity to take the lead back duties. Give a lot of credit to his offensive line and their run blocking as he did not have any trouble breaking through the line of scrimmage and hitting the secondary for 10+ yards quite a few times. He got the Tennessee offense their first touchdown of the day when he was able to hit the line hard, cut through, and shed a tackle for six yards. Vanderbilt just had no answer for a Tennessee run attack that had over 200 yards on the ground. Tennessee will now wait for their bowl fate.

Small (5'11/206) made the most of his touches Saturday night. Both of his touchdown runs were at the goal line where he bulldozed over Jaguar defenders for his two scores. Of the eight touchdowns for the Volunteers and two touchdowns for the Jaguars on the day, Small was the only player to score two of them. This was Small’s first game with two touchdowns and his best yardage output since putting up 92 yards against Ole Miss a month ago. Tennessee finishes their regular season next Saturday against Vanderbilt.

Small (5'11/206) has been dealing with a shoulder injury off and on all season. He suited up for the Vol’s last game against Alabama, but only managed seven carries and 27 snaps on the day. On the season, Small has rushed 72 times for 325 yards and three touchdowns, and has served as the backup to Tiyon Evans for most of the season. The Vols travel to face 6-2 Kentucky on Saturday.

Someone needed to step up with Tiyon Evans out for this game. Small (5'11"/206) was the one who got the call as the lead back. Small himself missed last week’s game against South Carolina, but he looked healthy tonight. Small was able to move the ball well. He made some fantastic cuts against the Ole Miss secondary for a couple of big gains. He ran for 26 yards from midfield to deep into Ole Miss territory. He ended that drive himself with a one-yard touchdown. Small showed he can be the guy to rely on if Evan’s injury keeps him out for multiple games. Quarterback Hendon Hooker also was injured late in this game. Small might have a big role against Alabama next Saturday.

Small (5’11/206) left the 62-24 win over Missouri early with a shoulder injury. Just because they’re saying he’s available doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll play. He was given the same tag last week against South Carolina, but he never saw the field.

Small (5'11/206) had already missed Week 3 with an injury, and now appears to have re-aggravated a shoulder injury that he has been dealing with. Head coach Josh Heupel said that an update on Small’s injury status will be given later in the week, but this appears to be a nagging issue for Small that we will need to monitor going forward. On the season, Small has rushed 44 times for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

Small (5'11"/206) missed last week’s 56-0 win over Tennessee Tech after leaving the previous game against Pittsburgh with an injury. Being listed as a co-starter is a great indication he will be able to suit up this Saturday. Small and Tiyon Evans have been a great tandem in the Volunteers’ backfield and will be needed with a tough road game against Florida.