It was just a few months ago that Dylan Sampson was the third tailback in Tennessee’s rotation. Times can change fast.
From the change-up back with deceptive speed to the leader in the running back room, Sampson has quickly gone from a hyped-up freshman in 2022 to a player who is expected to lead the Vols at running back. After all, who else can?
The Vols tailbacks, including freshman Peyton Lewis and sophomore Cameron Seldon, are very inexperienced at tailback. However, someone has to be ready to play. Size or not, Sampson can’t be expected to carry the lion’s share of the load this season. At the same time, he’s expected to be the leader of the group after former Vols Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small moved onto the NFL.
“It’s definitely been a little different in terms of culture,” Sampson said. “We’re establishing a new identity…So last year, it was a little easier to share that workload with them, but now I have to be more intentional and more detailed, having the most experience. A lot of people not really having experience at all. So, just being a motivator and making sure I’m being the same person every day. But just taking the role I had last year, just taking it to a new level.”
Part of that role is assessing what kind of players are manning his position group. Lewis was impressive immediately.
“It didn’t take long to buy in,” Sampson said. “Peyton got here, even when he was hurt in the spring, he was locked in, ready to go. You could tell he has a fire in him, he’s ready to get out there and get some practice, get some snaps in.”
As for Seldon, who is still sidelined with an injury, Sampson said, “I have no doubt in my mind when he gets back rolling, he’s gonna be ready to go, cause that’s how he handled the whole offseason.”
Sounds like Sampson is handling the whole backfield.
