Now with Titans, Jabari Small hoping to be next great running back from Memphis in NFL

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

Former Briarcrest standout Jabari Small is the next Memphian looking to make his name 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 hit me, so many greats have come through Memphis," Small said Friday before hosting a free youth football 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 at and appreciate."

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

Small said he relishes the opportunity to play alongside a local high school and Tigers great and learn from an NFL veteran.

"With him being an all-around Memphis guy and being successful at my position, too, I told him that I'm gonna be in his back pocket," Small said. "He's someone that I can look up to. He does things right off the field and everyone knows what kind of player he is. I just feel blessed to be in the spot I'm in."

Although he didn't root for a specific NFL team growing up, Small said all of his favorite players were Titans running backs.

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

He is fresh off four years with the Volunteers in which his playing time fluctuated while in competition with Dylan Sampson, now a junior, and Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright.

Small finished with more than 2,000 yards rushing, 16th on Tennessee's career rushing leaderboard. In 2023, he ran for 475 yards and two touchdowns on 95 carries.

Wendell Shepherd Jr. is the high school sports beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Wendell at wendell.shepherd@commercialappeal.com. Follow Wendell on X, formerly known as Twitter, @wendellsjr_.