Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) runs for yardage as he's chased by Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11), and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) crosses the goal line for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UTEP, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) runs the ball past Vanderbilt linebacker Nicholas Rinaldi (24) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava (8) and running back Dylan Sampson (6) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) celebrates with Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Cooper Mays (63) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Scott Kinser)
Tennessee Running Back Dylan Sampson (6) turns up field after completing a short catch during the game against the UTEP Miners at Neyland Stadium on November 23, 2024.
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) runs for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) runs for yardage during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn.
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) fumbles the ball as he's hit by Alabama defensive back Zabien Brown (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) runs for yardage as he's chased by Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11), and defensive back Keon Sabb (3) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Dylan Sampson
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) carries the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson (6) leaves the field after scoring the game-winning touchdown in overtime of an NCAA college football game against Florida, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (17) celebrates scoring a touch with running back Dylan Sampson (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) 69制片厂制作传媒 Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is heading to the NFL draft after leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing and setting a handful of school records.
The SEC Offensive Player of the Year announced on social media his intention Friday to leave after his junior season. He helped the seventh-ranked Vols go 10-3 with a first-round loss in the College Football Playoff where Sampson was limited by an injured hamstring.
Sampson thanked his family, Tennessee coaches and fans, saying he learned so much and had the chance to be part of something special. Tennessee went 3-7 in 2020, and he leaves with the Vols having won 30 games over his three seasons.
"I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community," Sampson wrote. "With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft."
Sampson set a school record running for 1,491 yards. He also set a program record with a league-best 22 rushing touchdowns, breaking a mark that had stood for 95 years. He was part of coach Josh Heupel's first full signing class in December 2021 out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also set school records for total touchdowns scored (22), points scored (132) and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (11).
He led the SEC in nine different categories, including rushing attempts (258), rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, 100-yard rushing games with 10, averaging 114.7 yards rushing per game, points scored, points per game (10.2), all-purpose yards (1,638) and all-purpose yards per game (126.0). He finished this season tied for fifth all-time in the SEC ranks for rushing TDs in a single season with Leonard Fournette of LSU.
Sign up for our free e-newsletters - delivered straight to your inbox.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device.
Please disable your ad blocker, whitelist our site, or purchase a subscription
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.