Tennessee hasn’t had any complaints about its running back production this season. After all, starter Dylan Sampson is attacking the Vols’ record book like a Kent State defense.
Sampson has become the Vols’ all-time record holder for touchdowns scored in a season after notching his 19th score last week against Kentucky. Sampson is also the first Vol in program history with a rushing touchdown in eight consecutive games in the same season.
Still, things can get better at running back for the Vols.
Sampson also logged his seventh 100-yard game of the year. That puts him in a five-way tie for the second-most in a single season in Tennessee history, matching Travis Stephens (2001), Travis Henry (2000), Jamal Lewis (1997) and Chuck Webb (1989).
Wait, I promise the Vols can be even better at running back.
Sampson now has 32 career touchdowns, matching quarterback Joshua Dobbs (2013-16) for third place on the school’s all-time leaderboard. The only players above them are halfback Gene McEver (37 from 1928-31) and James Stewart (35 from 1991-94).
The 19 rushing touchdowns for Sampson place him in a six-way tie for No. 10 on the SEC’s single-season leaderboard. Let’s just say Sampson has played pretty well. However, the Vols could get better at running back and very soon.
Now, here’s how the Vols can be better at running back and that comes in Sampson’s new backup.
Freshman Peyton Lewis was tabbed to tote the rock after Sampson fumbled in the first quarter against Kentucky and backup DeSean Bishop went down with an injury early in the game. Lewis knows what that’s like. He had to overcome injuries and surgeries to his pelvis and shoulder before the season began.
“Young guy, just when he came in here, had to have a couple of surgeries and was limited during the course of of spring ball and some of summer because of that, kind of built him throughout the course of training camp, as far as the physical part of the game,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said. “For a young guy, he’s really mature, really consistent in how he practices.
“Because of that, he’s just continued to grow throughout the course of the season. It’s a great example of special teams for young guys being an awesome launching point at times. Gain confidence, understand the speed and the flow of the game.
“He went in the other night and it was seamless for him.”
That’s saying something considering what Sampson has done this season. It’s also a testament to Lewis’ ability to handle pass protection, which is a must to get onto the football field.
The one lost in Lewis’ possible ascension with more likely be Bishop. No offense to the redshirt freshman from Karns High School who has played spectacularly this season, but Lewis, who is a legit 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, is a better physical specimen than Bishop, who may be his listed size of 5-10 and 200 pounds with shoe lifts and rocks in his pocket.
Looking for a powerful burst to carry the Vols in the College Football Playoff? Lewis may well be it. Oddly enough, the No. 7 Vols could use a little more offense. Lewis may well be that guy.
Many thought sophomore Cameron Seldon would be the main running back of choice after he played in front of Lewis for the majority of the season. However, he’s still an athlete learning how to play the position and how to set up his blocks. He’s also dealt with his own injuries leading into the season.
Lewis is natural running back with a better penchant for the position and he may be just what the Vols need to run to a championship. If not, the Vols look to be in great shape at running back with Lewis next season.
