Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright will stay in Knoxville for the 2023 season after signing an NIL deal with The Volunteer Club.
The Volunteer Club, facilitated by Spyre Sports, is a Knoxville-based sports agency that has become a leader in the NIL space.
RELATED: Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt signs NIL deal with World of Hyatt
Per The Volunteer Club’s website:
“The Volunteer Club is facilitated by Spyre Sports, a sports & media agency based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded by University of Tennessee, Knoxville alumni, Spyre Sports champions Tennessee athletes and connects them with local and national businesses.”
“Ninety percent of every dollar generated through the Volunteer Club will go directly to athletes, and the remaining 10% will cover costs related to creating events for student-athletes and fans.”
Not done yet! We just signed Jaylen Wright to a new NIL Event Series deal for 2023 ???????????? pic.twitter.com/wtX75Nw40r
— The Volunteer Club ???? (@TheVolClub) January 5, 2023
Wright became an integral part of the Volunteer offense down the stretch. He finished the 2022 season with 875 yards on 146 carries and added 10 touchdowns. The Vols may have to lean on the running game more in 2023 with star quarterback Hendon Hooker, and wide receivers Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman declaring for the NFL Draft.
RELATED: Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker lands massive NIL deals, one with French’s Mustard
Interestingly, Wright put out a somewhat cryptic tweet just a couple of days ago. The now-deleted tweet said, “Dis a business, nun personal,” perhaps implying he received a monetary offer from another school.
Regardless, it seems that the Tennessee community was not willing to find out if the tweet was a bluff or not. Wright is now taking advantage of the current state of college athletics, where athletes can receive financial compensation for their name, image and likeness.
