Tennessee Vols hold off 2 marquee programs for 2022 4-star RB
2022 four-star running back Dylan Sampson is set to sign with the Tennessee Vols this week, despite a "late push" from a couple of marquee SEC programs. Sampson told VolQuest this week that he's ready to get to work in Knoxville, saying "I’m ready to put the work in and get to it…I want to […]
2022 four-star running back Dylan Sampson is set to sign with the Tennessee Vols this week, despite a "late push" from a couple of marquee SEC programs.
Sampson told VolQuest this week that he's ready to get to work in Knoxville, saying "I’m ready to put the work in and get to it…I want to come in and have an impact in any way I can. I’m ready to work.”
According to VolQuest, Alabama and LSU made a run at Sampson, but the talented all-purpose back is sticking with Tennessee.
Sampson committed to the Vols on June 13 after taking an official visit to Tennessee.
Sampson, 5-foot-9/180 lbs from Geismar, LA, is rated by 247Sports as the No. 30 running back in the country and the No. 19 player in Louisiana.
It's a bit surprising to see a player from Louisiana not land at LSU. This is likely a scenario where the previous Tigers staff (Ed Orgeron) wasn't high on Sampson and the new head coach (Brian Kelly) didn't have much time to build a relationship.
Sampson is only a three-star recruit in 247Sports' composite rankings (247Sports rates him as a four-star), but the interest from Alabama and LSU shows that he's probably underrated.
In fact, there's actually some statistical proof that Sampson is underrated.
According to VolQuest, Sampson broke the Dutchtown High School record for career rushing yards this year. That record was previously held by former Alabama running back Eddie Lacy.
Sampson also broke Lacy's single-game rushing record when he totaled 287 yards in a game against Ouachita Parish this season.
Sounds like the Vols might have a future stud on their hands.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
