Running back Jaylen Wright has Vols at the top following visit

Durham, North Carolina running back Jaylen Wright had never seen the Vols or an SEC school before this weekend. He spent Saturday on Rocky Top and his expectations were met.

“Today was great. I expected a lot and what I saw was great,” Wright said. “I feel like the coaches mean what they say. I love the love they were showing. I love the fanbase. I just loved it there. I have to weigh my options. I’m going to visit other schools, but Tennessee is definitely going to be at the top.

“Tennessee is probably number one. Today made it that way.”

The 5-11, 187 pound speedster said he also liked the honesty of the Vols coaching staff.

“Seeing the big school. Hearing the coaches talk the way they talk. Experiencing the SEC big school. And meeting the players,” Wright said of the highlights. “The things that the coaches said. That they are going to win a championship. I know if they said that they mean that. They said they don’t care if I don’t come they are going to win with our without me. They were real and that meant a lot to me.”

Wright who has recorded a 6.25 in the 55 meters and a 6.72 in the 60 meters wants to run track in college as well as play football. Wright said offensive coordinator Jim Chaney was honest about being a two sport player in college. A message that impressed Wright.

“He was really honest with me,” Wright said. “He said would let me run track in college, but if my grades start to slip or things in football go downhill then they would take track away. I really respect them. They were honest with me. They mean what they say. I trust them.”

Wright is being recruited by running backs coach Jay Graham. The two have hit it off because they understand each other.

“It’s good and the fact that he knows where I am from. He’s from where I am from. He knows where I come from and how bad things in the city can be. We have a good connection and a good relationship,” Wright said.

“He said he sees a lot in me. He sees running backs he has coached like Dalvin Cook and Devonte Freemen. He sees all of them in me. He knows that I can be great if I come here and he wants to coach me.

“Coach Pruitt told me he would love to play special teams and for me to be a running back. Coach Graham said I would flourish in their offense. I believe in what they say.”

Wright and Graham spent some time on Saturday watching some tape where the Vols running back leader showed the speedster how he would be used.

“Coach Graham said he knows I am fast. I can get out there and catch a screen pass. He showed me some film of Dalvin Cook when he coached him catching some screen passes and he told me that could be me,” Wright said.

Wright will see Florida State on Sunday. He also plans to see Miami, Arizona State and maybe Rutgers. He will also see the Vols again sooner rather than later.

“I will probably be back on an official visit for the spring game so that I can bring my mom and she can see what I am experiencing.”

Wright hopes to make a decision in August or early in his senior season.