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Detroit Lions Linked to 2,000-Plus Yard Former SEC Running Back

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 1:05 PM ET

The Detroit Lions have one of the best offensive backfields in the NFC with Jared Goff flanked by running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Craig Reynolds among others.

The Lions' offensive unit also has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL this season with John Morton taking over play-calling duties from departed Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson.

Running back and special teams depth are two areas the Lions could use help in heading into the 2025 season.

On Friday, the Lions were expected to work out a 2,000-plus yard former SEC Conference running back with ties to backup quarterback Hendon Hooker from his days with the Tennessee Volunteers.

"Former #Titans and @Vol_Football running back Jabari Small works out for #Lions on Friday, per a league source," Houston based reporter Aaron Wilson wrote on Thursday.

"Small comes from a football family. His father played @OleMissFB and his uncles were both All @SEC wide receivers."

Small was waived by the Tennessee Titans in May and played with Hooker and the Tennessee Volunteers in college.

He compiled back-to-back 700-plus yard seasons in 2021 and 2022 with the Volunteers in Knoxville, rushing for 22 touchdowns combined in those two seasons and finishing his college career with 2,122 yards and 26 touchdowns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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