What Tennessee's Jaylen Wright said while declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft
Tennessee junior running back Jaylen Wright announced his decision to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft on Friday afternoon.
Wright in his three seasons with the Vols rushed for 2,297 yards and 18 touchdowns on 368 attempts. This season he became the 19th Tennessee running back to reach 1,000 yards, doing so on just 137 carries, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.
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He rushed for 875 yards on 146 rushes and had a career-high 10 touchdowns in 13 games last season, after playing nine games as a freshman in 2021, running 85 times for 409 yards and four touchdowns.
Wright will not play in the Citrus Bowl on January 1, when No. 21 Tennessee (8-4) faces No. 17 Iowa (10-3) in the 1 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff (TV: ABC) at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Here’s what Wright said in his statement on Friday announcing his NFL Draft decision:
I am grateful for the extraordinary talents and gifts bestowed upon me by God. With His guidance, I believe that all thing are possible, and I express my gratitude for the opportunities provided in every facet of my life.
Under the leadership of Coach Heupel and the Tennessee coaching staff, I have experienced exponential growth both on and off the field. I am appreciative of the trust placed in me to carry forward the vision and for the invaluable knowledge imparted, applicable not only in the game but also in life.
To my teammates, you are the backbone of this remarkable journey. The BROTHERHOOD and family-oriented system within our team have been the driving force behind our shared successes. The bonds formed on and off the field are everlasting.
VOL NATION, your passion, loyalty, and support have fueled our determination. You are the heartbeat of our team, and I am thankful for the backing you’ve provided. VOLS FOR LIFE!
My gratitude extends to my family and friends who have impacted my life, paying a pivotal role in shaping my future as the athlete I am today and aspire to become.
A special acknowledgement to Jay Graham for recruiting me. Your belief in my potential has been a catalyst for my success.
I express my deepest gratitude to my parents for being the unwavering support and love that have formed the bedrock of my journey. Their sacrifices and encouragement have significantly contributed to molding the person I am today. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a family actively involved in supporting my dreams and ambitions.
Carrying the VOLS spirit with me, I am pleased to inform you that my family and I have decided that the next phase of my football career will be to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
— Jaylen Wright
