By Sunday 
Training camp isn’t just for solidifying starting jobs — it’s the time of year when long shots turn heads and fresh talent sneaks onto rosters. And for the Detroit Lions, one of those fresh faces could soon be Jabari Small, a former Tennessee Volunteers standout with SEC roots and something to prove.
✍️ A Quiet Move That Could Make Noise
On the surface, bringing in a waived running back who’s bounced off the Titans roster might seem like a shrug-worthy move. But Small’s resume says otherwise.
He’s no random camp body. The 5-foot-10 back racked up over 2,000 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns at Tennessee, including back-to-back 700+ yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. That’s consistency, and it came in the toughest college football conference out there.
Now, he’s been spotted in Allen Park working out for the Lions — and there’s some built-in chemistry worth noting: Small was a college teammate of Hendon Hooker, Detroit’s promising backup QB. That connection could make his transition smoother if the Lions decide to take the leap.
🦁 A Loaded Backfield, But Room for More?
Detroit already has a killer RB room. Between Jahmyr Gibbs flashing star power, David Montgomery bringing reliable toughness, and Craig Reynolds being the go-to depth guy, the Lions don’t need help… but that doesn’t mean they should say no to it.
Injuries happen. Special teams roles need filling. The ability to plug in a guy with SEC reps and NFL exposure for a couple of preseason games? That’s just smart football.
And let’s not ignore what else Small brings: his football pedigree runs deep. His father played for Ole Miss, and his uncles were both All-SEC receivers. This guy’s been built for the game since birth.
🧐 So What Happens Next?
This is the classic low-risk, potentially high-reward move. At worst, the Lions get a few solid practices and reps out of him. At best? Small earns a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad and becomes a dependable insurance policy for the backfield.
Brad Holmes has made a name for himself finding value in overlooked places. If Jabari Small sticks — well, it might just be another under-the-radar win for Detroit’s front office.