KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright will not play in the Vol’s bowl game and has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. The running back made the announcement Friday.
“Under the leadership of Coach Heupel and the Tennessee coaching staff, I have experienced exponential growth both on and off the field,” he said. “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.”
He went on to thank Vol fans, and announced the next step in his career.
“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,” he said. “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.”
usually doesn’t speak up unless he’s provoked.
Kentucky attempted to bully the emotionless Awaka on Saturday night inside of Rupp Arena, but to no avail. A different side of the New York native showed up in Lexington. A side that even his teammates have rarely seen.
Awaka grabbed a vintage Awaka-offensive-rebound midway through the second half of the top-10 showdown between No. 5 Tennessee and No. 10 Kentucky, and was fouled by Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham in the process. Dillingham was none too pleased with the call, swiping at the basketball multiple times after the whistle before taking out his frustration on Awaka with a push.
The 6-foot-8, 250-pounder gave Dillingham a bump back, inspiring Kentucky forward Aaron Bradshaw to give Awaka a two-hand shove. It sent Tennessee’s gentle giant into a rage.
Awaka, with his eyes seemingly popping out of his head, forcefully gave Bradshaw a shove back before chasing after him as officials and teammates separated the two.
“I’ve seen that intensity from Tobe,” Barnes said after the game. “There’s no doubt that he’s got a streak in him. I mean, Tobe’s tough… But have I seen it? Yeah, I’ve seen him like that a few times.”
Awaka’s face-to-face confrontation with Bradshaw sparked the Vols in the midst of their wire-to-wire, 103-92, win. It staved off one of many runs that Kentucky made on the night, though Tennessee thwarted each one away.
