Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson reacts on national show about getting overlooked for the Doak Walker Award
Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson is having one of the best seasons in UT football history. Through 12 games this season, Sampson has rushed for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He's also caught 19 passes for 141 yards. Sampson now has the all-time single season record at Tennessee for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, […]
Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson is having one of the best seasons in UT football history.
Through 12 games this season, Sampson has rushed for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He's also caught 19 passes for 141 yards.
Sampson now has the all-time single season record at Tennessee for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, yet he's not a Doak Walker Award finalist (the Doak Walker Award is given annually to the nation's top running back).
The Baton Rouge native joined Jim Rome this week and he responded to shockingly being snubbed for the Doak Walker Award.
“I mean it’s kind of like I said I got access, you know, previously. But certain things I don’t let it validate me, you know? So, I mean, it would be great to be in those conversations," said Sampson. "I do think I’ve done everything possible to deserve being in those conversations."
“But those things don’t value — just like my coach says, he knows the value and I know the value that I have to this team," added Sampson. "And I know when I’m at my best. I’m strong and I know what I can do. So, I mean, people have turned on the tape and they’ll see what I do and as we continue to make this playoff run. I only plan on getting strong and stronger as the weeks go by."
There's no good explanation for why Sampson was overlooked. The other finalists are certainly deserving, but it's hard to argue that Sampson isn't also deserving.
Sampson may not be a Doak Walker Award finalist, but he did pick up an impressive honor this week. Sampson was named by USA Today as the SEC player of the year.
There's no doubt that Sampson would appreciate being a Doak Walker Award finalist, but more than anything, he wants to bring a national championship back to Rocky Top. If Sampson can help the Vols win a natty, he'll likely forget all about getting snubbed for a national award.
Josh Heupel comments on possibility of Tennessee Vols hosting a College Football Playoff game at Neyland Stadium
The Vols are hoping some things break their way
