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The play from Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright that led the Vols coaching staff to say 'we knew he wasn’t coming back (to UT)'

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated 5/17/24

The Tennessee Vols would've loved for running back Jaylen Wright to return to Knoxville in 2024.

But after one particular play this past season, they knew that ship had sailed.

Wright, who declared for the NFL draft after a huge junior season in 2023 (1,013 rushing yards while sharing carries), was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Tennessee offensive coordinator Joey Halzle told The Palm Beach Post's Joe Schad this week that the coaching staff knew after Wright's 75 yard touchdown run on the first play of the game against Georgia that the Durham, NC native wouldn't be returning to UT for another season.

Wright carried the ball 75 yards for a touchdown on the Vols' first play from scrimmage against the Bulldogs.

Jaylen Wright with a 75-yard touchdown run for Tennessee on the first play from scrimmage vs No. 1 Georgia.

Brad Nessler on the call for CBS. ️pic.twitter.com/1eqi8w9BDX
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 18, 2023

"Pause the film and it should have been a gain of 12," said Halzle. "But he was gone. I have said that was the moment we knew he wasn’t coming back (to Tennessee). It was such a display of his talent. And how much stronger he’s become. He didn’t run around it. He ran through it."

Halzle also told Schad that Wright reminds him of Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.

"He's (Wright) got patience," said Halzle. "He’ll go vertical through that hole with speed and ferocity. He reminds me of Pacheco. He has the home run speed. But there's no dancing. He’ll try to run through people."

Wright is expected to play a significant role as a rookie for the Dolphins.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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