Record-setting Vols RB Dylan Sampson enters draft

Field Level Media|published: Fri 27th December, 12:27 2024

NCAA Football: Texas El Paso at Tennessee

Nov 23, 2024; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the UTEP Miners during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Angelina Alcantar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is entering the 2025 NFL Draft after setting school single-season records for rushing yards and touchdowns this season.

The junior from Louisiana rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns in 13 games, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and helping the Volunteers (10-3) make the College Football Playoff field.

"Vol Nation, your support has been nothing short of amazing," he wrote on Instagram. "Knoxville has become my home and has made me a better human over the years. I'm going to miss the feeling of rolling up to the Vol Walk, running through the 'T,' and hearing the Pride of Southland band play 'Rocky Top.' I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community."

A hamstring injury limited Sampson to two carries for 6 yards in Tennessee's season-ending 42-17 loss at Ohio State in the first round of the playoffs on Dec. 21.

In three seasons in Knoxville, the 5-foot-11, 201-pound Sampson rushed for 2,492 yards and 35 scores and caught 40 passes for 342 yards and one TD.

--Field Level Media

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