Jabari Small was a four-year player for the Volunteers who took over as the primary running back as a sophomore. He shared the backfield with Jaylen Wright in 2022 and then took a step backward in 2023 when Wright became the primary rusher and Small mixed in with Dylan Sampson.
The Volunteers finished No. 6 in the final AP poll in 2022 with an 11-2 record, while Hendon Hooker was the starting quarterback. Hooker left last year and the Vols offense wasn’t as productive. Small was also banged up last year while Tennessee went to more of a committee backfield. Small also opted out of the Citrus Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft.
Height: 5-11
Weight: 213 pounds
40 time: 4.58 seconds
While Jaylen Wright attended the NFL combine, Small was not invited. Wright ended with the second fastest 40-time of 4.38, while Small unofficially runs around a 4.6 40-time. Not participating at the combine isn’t a plus for the 22 year old, but he will still be a consideration for teams looking to bulk up their backfield depth.
Jabari Small stats (2020-23)
| Year | School | Games | Runs | Yards | Avg. | TD | Catch | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Tennessee | 10 | 26 | 117 | 4.5 | 0 | 4 | 24 | 0 |
| 2021 | Tennessee | 11 | 140 | 792 | 5.7 | 9 | 9 | 77 | 0 |
| 2022 | Tennessee | 13 | 157 | 734 | 4.7 | 13 | 12 | 106 | 0 |
| 2023 | Tennessee | 11 | 95 | 475 | 5.0 | 2 | 7 | 40 | 0 |
Pros
- Elusive runner with above-average start-stop ability
- Strong short-yardage rusher with compact frame
- Strong blocker keeps him on the field
- Effective inside runner who runs low and falls forward for the extra yard
- Reasonable good hands when used as a receiver
- While not elite in any area, he is good at everything
- Good vision, follows the block and knows where to find daylight
Cons
- Minimal experience as a receiver
- Lack of top-end speed limits the chance of a big play, can get caught from behind
- Not particularly explosive which limits him on outside runs
- Projects as a lesser part of a committee backfield
Fantasy outlook
Jabari Small is expected to be drafted despite the NFL combine snub. But he’ll end up as a Day 3 pick and likely no better than Round 6. His teammate Jaylen Wright will be selected earlier thanks to his speed. Small can find a valuable role on an NFL team as backfield depth and his ability to block makes him more attractive.
Small’s NFL career depends on where he lands and what the situation is there. He’d need a set of fortunate backfield developments to occur before he’d be expected to offer more than occasional use. He is an all-around back and while he’s not likely to ever take over a game and make a major difference, he has something to offer to any NFL team.