Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson and the Vols will almost certainly face a tougher matchup against the Gators this week than if Tennessee had played Florida earlier in the season.
The Gators began the season 1-2, but have reportedly toughened up their practices and since won two games in a row against Mississippi State 45-28 and Central Florida 24-13.
Florida ranks 12th in the SEC in rushing defense, allowing 142 rushing yards per game. The Gators limited Central Florida to just 108 yards rushing and seem to be coming together up front defensively.
“I think the No. 1 deal is us collectively doing a really good job of understanding what our roles got to be in terms of how are we going to attack them in the run game and then do a really good job from that standpoint,” RB coach De’Rail Sims said.
Tennessee’s first two tailbacks this season, Sampson and walk-on DeSean Bishop, who is a redshirt freshman, have handled most of the carries during crunch time this season. Sophomore Cameron Seldon and freshman Peyton Lewis are thought to be bigger and more physical than Sampson or Bishop, but haven’t played much outside of “garbage time” against lessor foes.
“They’re doing a good job of continuing to come along and keep developing,” said Sims, who added that it’s tough to play more tailbacks than the Vols did against Arkansas in such a close game.
Sims admitted that Bishop had one negative play on his resume against Arkansas. The Knoxville native missed a block in pass protection that was blatantly obvious.
“He does a phenomenal job in terms of learning from his experiences,” Sims said. “You know the one situation there in the pass pro…but I love where he’s at right now in terms of his mentality. I think you see him each week continue to get better and better and better and that’s what you want to see happen.
“His mindset hasn’t changed whatsoever in terms of the way he prepares, the way he goes out here and attacks practice. And he’s done a really good job.”
