With school back in session at the University of Tennessee, the Vols basketball team got together for a first day of classes photo shoot. In the case of Vanderbilt transfer forward Jaylen Carey, he opted to wear his father’s NFL jersey for the photos.
Carey’s father, Vernon Carey Sr., was an offensive tackle with the Miami Dolphins from 2004-11. He spent his entire pro career with the franchise. He appeared in 121 games played while starting in 107. Vernon Carey Sr. recovered eight fumbles throughout his tenure, as well.
He played his college ball at Miami. While there, he won a BCS National Championship in 2001, was a two-time All-Big East Second-Team member and a Second-Team All-American. He was ultimately the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He also played his high school career at Miami Northwestern in Miami, Florida.
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Jaylen Carey enters his junior season after spending his freshman year at JMU and sophomore at Vanderbilt. This past year, Carey played in all 33 games and made one start. He averaged 8.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game on 20.2 minutes per night.
As a freshman at JMU, he posted averages of 7.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.7 steals per game in 14.9 minutes per game. He played in all 36 games, all off the bench, in what could be considered the best year in program history.
Carey went to high school in Southwest Ranches, Florida. As a senior, he averaged 15.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game and was named to the Miami Herald 2A-4A First Team All-Country list. He was considered a three-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals.
Carey has a brother, Vernon Carey Jr., who was a 2019-20 All-American and the consensus national freshman of the year at Duke. He was picked in the first round of the NBA draft as a result. He also has a twin sister, Taelynn, and a younger sister, Dynver.
back to school fits 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/DxtvW5C8wf
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) August 18, 2025
