Dylan Sampson glad he got opportunity to prove he can be a No. 1 running back

Tennessee had a dominant performance in the Citrus Bowl on Monday, defeating No. 17 ranked Iowa in a 35-0 win at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The victory marked the ninth of the season for the Volunteers to close out the year, but it looked a little different than the rest of the team’s wins from the 2023 season.

Fresh faces emerged and played well in increased roles on Monday for Tennessee, including running back Dylan Sampson, who received his first career start for Tennessee as they took on the Hawkeyes. And after the game, Sampson spoke about the opportunity and how it could help generate some momentum for himself heading into next season.

“I was excited for this game, I needed this game and I wanted to be in that role for myself and for my coach’s eyes,” Sampson said. “They needed to see me starting with multiple caries and I want to prove every time that I’m not just a carries here, carries there type of guy.”

Tennessee’s leading rusher the past two seasons Jaylen Wright forwent the bowl game, turning his attention to the NFL after declaring for the draft following the regular season. Running back Jabari Small followed suit and declared for the NFL Draft as well, positioning Sampson for the start on Monday.

Sampson proved that he can be a force as more than just a feature back for the Volunteers, rushing for 133 yards on a career-high 20 carries in the Citrus Bowl. Doing so against a stout Iowa defense that held opponents to just 102.5 rushing yards and 13.2 points per game this season.

He now ends the season as Tennessee’s second-leading rusher behind Small, rushing for 604 yards and seven touchdowns while also catching 17 passes for 175 receiving yards and a score in his sophomore season in Knoxville. But now he’s looking towards building on his bowl performance and potentially being the team’s RB1 ahead of the 2024 season.

“My goal is to be that number one running back however form or fashion it is. But it’s just building blocks, I think it’s a good step. It’s time to work and get better,” Small concluded.

Small joined quarterback Nico Iamaleava in the backfield who also made an impressive first-career start for the Volunteers, scoring four total touchdowns in Tennessee’s second straight bowl victory. With the duo potentially giving a sneak peek of what’s to come next season for the Volunteers’ offense.