Jaylen Carey has become the enforcer Tennessee didn’t know it needed - and now can’t do without.
The 6-foot-8, 267-pound forward has been a force in the paint all season, giving the Vols a gritty, physical edge that fits right into their identity. He’s not just crashing the boards or finishing around the rim - he’s setting the tone.
Carey’s averaging 8.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, but his impact goes far beyond the box score. He’s the guy who brings toughness, fire, and a whole lot of muscle to this Tennessee squad.
Auburn interim head coach Steven Pearl might’ve said it best when he recently referred to Carey - alongside DeWayne Brown II - as an “SEC defensive end.” That’s not just a compliment. That’s a statement about how physically imposing Carey is, and how much of a problem he’s become for opponents trying to operate anywhere near the paint.
And if you need further proof of Carey’s presence, just ask freshman Nate Ament. After a recent game, Ament called Carey “our bodyguard” and “our enforcer,” before casually dropping this gem: *“He broke my wrist when I tried to dunk on him this summer, but that’s another story.”
- That’s the kind of respect Carey commands - even from his own teammates. When a guy who once injured you in practice is still the one you want watching your back, that says everything about his role on this team.
Carey brought that same energy in Tennessee’s recent matchup with Ole Miss. Midway through the second half, freshman guard Bishop Boswell took a hard shot to the face from James Scott while attacking the rim.
The hit earned Scott a flagrant one, but it also triggered an immediate response from Carey, who stepped right in to defend his teammate. Carey got hit with a technical for the confrontation - something head coach Rick Barnes wasn’t thrilled about - but let’s be honest: his teammates loved it.
So did the fans. That kind of loyalty and toughness doesn’t go unnoticed in a locker room.
You could see it in the broadcast angles - Boswell took a real shot, and Carey wasted no time making sure it didn’t happen again without a response. That’s the kind of leadership that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet, but it’s invaluable when the games get physical and the stakes get high.
Now, with a showdown against Kentucky looming, Carey’s role becomes even more critical. It’s expected to be a bruising battle in the paint, and if Felix Okpara can’t go, Carey’s minutes - and responsibilities - are only going to increase. That means more rim protection, more rebounding, and yes, more of that bodyguard mentality that’s made him a fan favorite in Knoxville.
He’s not just holding down the post - he’s holding it down for his team.