Vols RB Dylan Sampson made a potential game-saving play that went under the radar in Tennessee's win over Alabama
Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson has had a heck of a season with the ball in his hands. A record-setting season, even. However, there was a moment during the Vols' 24-17 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide where Sampson made a massive play when he wasn't carrying the ball. It came on Nico Iamaleava's 28-yard […]
Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson has had a heck of a season with the ball in his hands. A record-setting season, even.
However, there was a moment during the Vols' 24-17 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide where Sampson made a massive play when he wasn't carrying the ball. It came on Nico Iamaleava's 28-yard run that set up Tennessee's first touchdown of the game.
Tennessee right guard Javontez Spraggins initially engaged with Alabama defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham, appearing to pass him off and assisting the tight end with another blocker. That left a free running Lathan coming right up the middle towards Iamaleava.
However, Dylan Sampson picked up Latham coming right at Nico, and he blocked him right to the ground. That's a tall task for a running back against a 6'3", 278-pound defender. Iamaleava broke free inside the ten, and Sampson punched it in for the team's first points of the day.
If Sampson doesn't make that block, Nico's likely taking a sack, and Tennessee's sputtering offense is backed up in third and very long, at best maybe getting back into field goal range. Surely not punching it in for six.
Pass protection is something that can take some time for running backs to develop a knack for, but it appears as though Sampson's skills have improved in 2024, which will only help his draft prospects down the road.
Tennessee fans are sure pleased with them after last weekend. It might not have been a victory cigar evening in Knoxville for Vols fans if not for a massive day from #6.
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