Tennessee Vols RB Dylan Sampson had perfect response to being overlooked for national awards
Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson just put together the best season ever by a UT running back. Sampson now has the most rushing yards ever in a season by a Tennessee running back (1,485 yards). And he has the most rushing touchdowns ever in a season by a Vols player (22). Despite the incredible […]
Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson just put together the best season ever by a UT running back.
Sampson now has the most rushing yards ever in a season by a Tennessee running back (1,485 yards). And he has the most rushing touchdowns ever in a season by a Vols player (22).
Despite the incredible season in the nation's toughest conference, Sampson is getting virtually no recognition when it comes to national awards.
Sampson isn't a player that's mentioned often in the Heisman Trophy race and he wasn't a finalist for the Doak Walker Award (given to the top running back each season).
Sampson, who rushed for a season high 178 yards in Tennessee's 36-23 win against Vanderbilt, was asked on Saturday about the lack of national recognition he's received this season.
The Baton Rouge native offered a perfect response that accurately illustrates his role as a key team leader in Tennessee's locker room.
"I mean, stuff like that, you can't let it validate you," said Sampson. "I know what I do week in and week out on the field. Shout out to the people that they picked — I like their games. But I know what I bring to the table, and there will be people who recognize that."
Vols head coach Josh Heupel was quick to shower Sampson with praise after the junior running back's big game against the Commodores.
“I don’t even know if I have the right words to describe D-Samp and what he means to our team, just as a player and as a leader," said Heupel. "But I don’t know if anybody’s played the position better than he has this year. He’s dynamic. Plays great without the ball in his hands. And talk about, when the ball is in his hands, making things happen….He’s special, man. He’s played the position this year as well as anybody I’ve ever had.”
It would be easy for Sampson to be bitter about his lack of national recognition — especially since he very obviously deserves it — but his sole focus is on helping Tennessee win a national championship. That's why he's such an important leader for the Vols. And it's why he's been able to deliver every time his number has been called this season in big moments.
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