Tennessee Volunteers Depth Chart Check: The Running Back Room
As the Tennessee Volunteers look ahead to the 2025 college football season, much attention is being paid to the team’s running back room. After an exciting 2024 campaign, the Volunteers are gearing up to continue their rise in the SEC, and a key component of that success will be their running game. Known for their up-tempo offense under Josh Heupel, Tennessee’s ability to balance a potent passing attack with a strong ground game will be crucial to keeping defenses on their heels.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the Tennessee Volunteers’ running back room, analyzing the depth chart, key returning players, incoming recruits, and potential contributors. We’ll break down what makes this group so special and examine how it fits into the overall offensive strategy for 2025. With the season fast approaching, understanding the makeup of the running back room is vital for any Volunteer fan who wants to know what to expect in the upcoming year.
The Foundation of the Running Game: Tennessee’s Offensive Scheme
Before diving into the depth chart, it’s important to first understand how Josh Heupel’s offensive philosophy impacts the running back room. Heupel’s fast-paced, high-octane offense is designed to keep defenses on their toes by relying on quick decision-making, no-huddle play calling, and a balanced attack that forces defenders to read and react in real-time. In such a system, the running back is more than just a ball carrier; they’re often asked to serve as dual-threat players who can both run the ball effectively and catch passes out of the backfield.
Tennessee’s offensive line, which has shown improvement over the past few seasons, will be key to the success of the running game in 2025. With the running back group expected to provide a balanced mix of inside and outside runs, the ability to maintain consistent yardage on the ground will be paramount. Heupel’s offensive system allows running backs to thrive in open space, using their vision, speed, and agility to exploit holes that are created through quick lateral movement and blocking schemes.
The running back room, which has been known for producing versatile players, will need to perform at a high level to complement quarterback Joe Milton and the talented receiving corps. With that said, let’s take a closer look at Tennessee’s running back depth chart heading into the 2025 season.
1. Jabari Small: The Senior Leader
Jabari Small has been a staple of Tennessee’s running back room for several seasons, and he enters the 2025 campaign as the leader of the group. Small, who is entering his final year of eligibility, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to be the primary back for the Volunteers in 2025. He’s the perfect fit for Tennessee’s offense due to his blend of size, power, and speed.
Strengths:
- Power Running: At 6’0” and 215 pounds, Small has the size and physicality to break through tackles and move the chains in short-yardage situations. He has a no-nonsense running style that allows him to push through defenders and gain extra yardage after contact.
- Vision and Patience: Small has a strong understanding of how to read the defense and wait for the right running lanes to develop. His patience behind the line of scrimmage allows him to find holes and make the most out of every run.
- Pass Protection: As a veteran, Small understands the importance of pass protection, a key part of Tennessee’s offense. He has been known to provide solid blocking in the pocket, which allows Joe Milton to operate effectively in passing situations.
Weaknesses:
- Big Play Ability: While Small is a reliable and consistent runner, he has not consistently demonstrated the ability to break off long runs or provide explosive plays. This is an area where the Tennessee offense will look for improvement in 2025, particularly as they look to take advantage of the speed on the field.
- Injury History: Small has dealt with minor injuries during his career, though nothing serious. Nonetheless, Tennessee will need to make sure he remains healthy throughout the season to avoid wearing down from an increased workload.
Outlook for 2025:
Jabari Small is primed to take on a leadership role in his final season. He will be the workhorse for the running back group and is expected to carry a heavy load early in the season as the offensive line continues to gel. Expect Small to be used in a variety of ways—both as a traditional ball carrier and as a receiver out of the backfield, taking advantage of Tennessee’s up-tempo system.
2. Dylan Sampson: The Explosive Playmaker
Dylan Sampson is one of the most exciting young running backs in the SEC and one of the key contributors to the Volunteers’ offense. Entering his sophomore season, Sampson has shown tremendous potential as a dynamic, big-play threat. He possesses a unique blend of speed, quickness, and agility that allows him to break off explosive runs and make a difference in Tennessee’s high-speed offense.
Strengths:
- Speed and Agility: Sampson’s ability to accelerate through holes and get to the edge makes him a constant threat to take it to the house on any given play. He has elite-level speed that can outrun defenders to the outside and make defenders miss in the open field.
- Catching the Ball: Sampson is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He has soft hands and runs crisp routes, making him a valuable weapon for Joe Milton in passing situations. This versatility will be crucial in a system that relies on exploiting mismatches in the passing game.
- Playmaking: Sampson has shown an ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces. He’s dangerous once he gets into the open field, and his ability to turn small gains into large chunks of yardage is a critical asset for Tennessee’s offense.
Weaknesses:
- Power Running: While Sampson has the speed to hit the edge and break long runs, he lacks the size and power to consistently fight through tackles and pick up tough yardage between the tackles. He will need to improve his ability to run through contact at the next level to become a more complete back.
- Blocking: Like many young running backs, Sampson will need to continue refining his pass-blocking skills. Tennessee’s offense demands that running backs be able to protect the quarterback, and Sampson’s development in this area will be key to getting more snaps.
Outlook for 2025:
Sampson is poised to be a key piece of Tennessee’s offense in 2025. With Small providing the power running and Sampson adding an explosive, big-play element, the two will complement each other well in the backfield. Sampson’s ability to catch passes will also make him a versatile threat, and he’ll likely see an expanded role in the offense this year.
3. Jaylen Wright: The Promising Freshman
Jaylen Wright is one of the top incoming recruits for the Volunteers in 2025 and could have an immediate impact in the running back room. Wright, who comes from a highly successful high school program, is regarded as one of the most talented running backs in his class and brings a lot of hype with him to Knoxville.
Strengths:
- Speed and Vision: Wright has the kind of speed and burst that can make him a game-changer. His vision in the open field is impressive, allowing him to quickly identify running lanes and accelerate through them.
- Versatility: Wright is a well-rounded back who can contribute both on the ground and as a receiver. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield will be particularly valuable in Tennessee’s offense.
- Big-Play Ability: One of Wright’s biggest assets is his ability to turn every carry into a potential touchdown. His home-run hitting ability could be just what Tennessee needs to add more explosive plays to their offense.
Weaknesses:
- Size: Wright is smaller than both Small and Sampson, standing at 5’10” and weighing around 190 pounds. While he has the speed to evade tacklers, he will need to bulk up to withstand the physical demands of the SEC.
- Experience: As a freshman, Wright will have to adjust to the speed and complexity of college football. While his talent is undeniable, he may need some time to acclimate to the demands of the position at the highest level.
Outlook for 2025:
Despite being a freshman, Wright could quickly carve out a role in Tennessee’s backfield. His speed and playmaking ability will make him an asset in the rotation, and he could be used in a variety of roles to exploit mismatches against opposing defenses. Wright is one to watch closely in 2025 as he seeks to make a name for himself early in his career.
4. The Future of the Running Back Room: Incoming Recruits and Development
Tennessee’s running back room is also looking toward the future, with several top recruits coming into the program over the next few years. As Josh Heupel continues to build a top-tier recruiting class, expect additional talent to join the ranks and keep Tennessee’s running back room stocked with high-quality options.
In addition to Jaylen Wright, Tennessee is expected to land several other talented running backs in future recruiting classes, which will further deepen the position and provide the Volunteers with even more flexibility in their offensive game plan.
Conclusion: A Balanced Running Back Room Ready for 2025
The Tennessee Volunteers’ running back room is poised to be one of the most dynamic and versatile units in the SEC in 2025. With Jabari Small providing leadership and experience, Dylan Sampson offering explosive playmaking ability, and Jaylen Wright bringing youth and potential, Tennessee is well-equipped to maintain balance and firepower on the
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