Jabari Small talks Tennessee Titans, Tony Pollard connection

In recent football history, the city of Memphis has been known for developing top-quality running backs.

Former Briarcrest star Jabari Small is the next Memphian looking to make a name for himself as a ball carrier in the NFL. He signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in May after a stellar career with the Vols.

“It still hasn’t really sunk in, so many greats have come through Memphis,” Small said Friday before hosting a free youth soccer camp at Briarcrest. “I’m still trying to cement my legacy and make a name for myself, but (being a part of history) is probably something I’ll look back on and appreciate.”

When he signed with the Titans, Small doubled the number of Memphians in the running back room. Tony Pollard, a Melrose High School graduate, signed a three-year deal with Tennessee after five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

Small said he’s enjoying the opportunity to play with a local high school and a great Tigers and learn from an NFL veteran.

“Because he’s an all-around Memphis player and has been successful at my position, I told him I’m going to be in his back pocket,” Small said. “He’s someone I can look up to. He does things right off the court and everyone knows what kind of player he is. I just feel blessed to be where I am.”

Although he wasn’t really a fan of any specific NFL team as a kid, Small says all of his favorite players were Titans running backs.

“Chris Johnson was my favorite running back growing up and obviously Derrick Henry was too,” he said. “The Tennessee Titans have a great, rich history with running backs.”

He has been with the Volunteers for four years now, occasionally competing with Dylan Sampson, now a junior, and Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright.

Small finished with over 2,000 yards rushing, 16th on Tennessee’s career rushing leaderboard. In 2023, he rushed for 475 yards and two touchdowns on 95 carries.

Wendell Shepherd Jr. is the high school sports reporter for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Wendell at [email protected]. Follow Wendell on X, formerly known as Twitter, @wendellsjr_.