Dylan Sampson excited to be showing everyone what he knew he was capable of in 2024
Through two games in 2024, Dylan Sampson made his presence known in the Tennessee offense. He ranks in the Top 10 in rushing yards across the FBS to start the season, including a strong showing last week against NC State.
Sampson rushed for 256 yards across the Vols’ first two games, including a game-high 132 in the Week 2 win over the Wolfpack. He’s now more than one-third of the way to his total rushing yards from last year – and he’s not showing any signs of slowing down.
As for whether he expected to find such quick success, Sampson said it’s tough to plan for it. However, he also sees it as a way to show off his hard work.
“No, not really,” Sampson told Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman on Andy & Ari On3. “It was just, really something I planned for – I didn’t even plan for it. Just worked for it. I never go into games worried about stats, worried about anything.
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“I just know if I take care of business, then at the end of the day, I’m gonna get the result I’ve been working for. I think I’m just really showing everybody what I knew I was capable of this whole time.”
Sampson was Tennessee’s second-leading rusher last year, totaling 604 yards on the ground to sit behind Jaylen Wright. But with Wright now in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, it opened the door for Sampson to take the bulk of the carries. If last year’s Citrus Bowl was any indication, he’ll get the ball often.
In the victory over Iowa, Sampson took 20 carries for 133 yards. His ability to make plays in the running game could open the door for Nico Iamaleava, who also impressed against NC State as he got his freshman season underway. Josh Heupel also pointed out the impact he can have on the offense.
“Great trust in Dylan and he’s a great leader for us, but you can put him in any position,” Heupel said of Sampson. “He’s a guy that can have success and that’s pass protection. It is as a runner, it’s out in space as a receiver, getting him swing passes, whatever it might be. He’s got a great, great, great skillset.”