As Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson takes over the backfield for the Volunteers, he was recently recognized as a member of the Watch List for the Doak Walker Award for the top running back in College Football. The award is named after legendary SMU running back Doak Walker, who is a member of both the College and Professional Football Hall of Fame.
𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 👀@dylans21527 has been named to the @DoakWalkerAward Watch List.
📰 » https://t.co/4OwYedWkTc#GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/05cUz6yEkv
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 6, 2024
Sampson, the speedy junior rusher for Tennessee, is the clear leader of the running back room going into the 2024 season. He was a member of a crowded backfield the previous two seasons, as he competed for carries with players such as Jabari Small, and Jaylen Wright. With Wright being selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft (Miami Dolphins), and Small being signed as an undrafted free agent (Tennessee Titans), Sampson will receive a heavy workload and bulk of the carries.
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While competing for carries in the 2023 season, Sampson impressed in his opportunities. He rushed for 604 yards on 5.7 yards per carry, and a team-leading seven rushing touchdowns. Sampson also did work as a receiver out of the backfield, tallying 17 receptions for 175 yards and one touchdown.
With Small and Wright out in the Volunteers’ Citrus Bowl matchup against Iowa, Sampson showcased his abilities as the lead back. He saw 20 carries come his way, and earned an impressive 133 rushing yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry to cap off the 2023 season with a win.
Sampson looks to pick up where he left off and make the most of the increased opportunity in the 2024 season. The transition shouldn’t be too difficult, as the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native is a second-year member of the VOLeaders Academy, aimed to inspire the development of student-athlete leaders across all sports at the University of Tennessee.
For a full look at the Doak Award Watch List, click here.
