Wright will not play in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa. He became the 19th running back in Tennessee history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, averaging 7.4 yards per carry during his junior season. The North Carolina native checks in at 5-11, 210 pounds.
His development over the last three years in Knoxville has been dramatic, adding weight to his frame to pair with legitimate burst and top end speed. Fumbling issues were apparent during his first two seasons with the Volunteers, but that was cleaned up midway through the 2022 season. Wright has been projected to go in the fifth round, though it’s difficult to nail down potential day three picks. He’ll have a chance to rise at the NFL Combine, where his speed, burst and athleticism should be on full display.
For Tennessee, they’ll be left with Dylan Sampson for the bowl game. Jabari Small obviously could still play, but there have been plenty of rumors suggesting that Small could have played his final down for the Volunteers too. That could shoot true freshman Cam Seldon up the depth chart to end the season. Looking ahead to 2024, Sampson and Seldon appear to be ready to lead the Tennessee backfield. Khalifa Keith and Desean Bishop will also be there, along with incoming four-star freshman Peyton Lewis.
