Tennessee RB Jabari Small declares for 2024 NFL Draft

Tennessee running back Jabari Small has played his final game for the Volunteers. Small announced on Twitter on Friday that he is declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.

Small played 45 games at Tennessee, notching 24 starts. While with the Volunteers, he rushed for 2,122 yards, the 16th-most on UT’s all-time list. His 24 rushing touchdowns rank 12th in program history.

Here is part of the statement from Jabari Small announcing his decision:

“I want to express how this University has made my college football experience truly special. These past four years the support, love and cheers have made this chapter special and unforgettable,” Jabari Small posted.

“As I step into this new chapter towards chasing my dreams, I will forever carry the pride and spirit of the University of Tennessee with me. After much prayer and consideration with my family, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.”

Jabari Small had already reportedly opted out of the bowl game, providing a hint as far as which direction he was leaning.

Jabari Small rushed for 475 yards and two touchdowns this season. Small will not be on the field when Tennessee squares off against Iowa at 1 p.m. ET on Jan. 1 in the Citrus Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.