Dylan Sampson leads four Vols voted All-SEC by Associated Press
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson’s banner year continues as he was voted the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. The publication also recognized three other Vols as part of the All-SEC teams on Wednesday.
Sampson (running back) was joined by cornerback Jermod McCoy on the first team while center Cooper Mays and defensive lineman James Pearce were named to the second-team.
For a complete list of the AP All-SEC teams, click HERE.
Sampson, a unanimous first teal selection, led the conference in rushing yards (1,485) and rushing touchdowns (22). In total, he led the SEC in 11 different categories and he is third nationally in rushing touchdowns. Sampson’s touchdown total is also tied for the most in the Power Four. He broke multiple single-season records this fall and was also named the SEC Player of the Year by USA Today in early December.
McCoy made some crucial plays during Tennessee’s run to the College Football Playoff after transferring in from Oregon State last offseason. The cornerback defended 13 passes this fall with four interceptions and nine pass breakups. McCoy is tied for the SEC lead in interceptions. Two of his interceptions came at critical times for the Vols as he made plays on the ball in the end zone to kill the opposing team’s drive.
Mays was named a finalist for the Rimington Award, which recognizes the nation’s top center, on Monday. He became the first player in school history to be named as a finalist for the award. The fifth-year senior helped Tennessee finish the regular season ranked ninth in rushing offense with 232 yards a game.
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Pearce was quiet early in the season as teams were quickly getting the ball out of their hands, but as the year played out, Pearce turned up the pressure and recorded sacks and tackles for loss at some of the most critical moments for the Vols. He pressured the passer a league-leading 52 times this fall. He recorded 11 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks for the Tennessee in the regular season.
Sampson (RB, All-Purpose), Mays (OL) and Pearce (DL) were recognized on Tuesday by the league’s coaches first team All-SEC while McCoy (DB) was named to the second team. Kickoff specialist Josh Turbyville and offensive lineman Javontez Spraggins were named to the third team by the league’s coaches.
Tennessee continues preparations for the College Football Playoffs as the Vols will travel to Ohio State in the first round on Saturday, December 21.
