Dylan Sampson, a dynamic running back who carved a significant path during his college football career with the Tennessee Volunteers, has emerged as an intriguing prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Born on September 14, 2004, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sampson’s journey from a high school standout to a key offensive weapon in the SEC has been marked by impressive performances and a relentless drive. This article delves into Sampson’s collegiate statistics, his strengths and weaknesses as an NFL prospect, and addresses the buzz surrounding his potential in the professional league.
High School Foundation: Setting the Stage for Success
Before his time in Knoxville, Sampson established himself as a dominant force at Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana. He not only surpassed NFL veteran Eddie Lacy as the school’s all-time leading rusher but also showcased his versatility and scoring ability. As a junior, Sampson rushed for 1,327 yards and 15 touchdowns in just eight games, followed by an even more impressive senior campaign where he tallied 1,374 yards and 22 touchdowns. His stellar high school career made him a highly sought-after four-star recruit, ultimately committing to the University of Tennessee over offers from several prominent programs, including LSU and Penn State.
Collegiate Career at Tennessee: A Tale of Progression
Sampson’s career with the Tennessee Volunteers showcased consistent growth and an increasing role within the offense. Over three seasons, he demonstrated his explosiveness, versatility as a receiver, and knack for finding the end zone.
Freshman Season (2022):
In his freshman year, Sampson provided a glimpse of his potential, serving as a valuable contributor in a talented backfield. He appeared in 10 games, rushing for 397 yards and six touchdowns on 58 carries, leading the team with an impressive 6.8 yards per carry. He also added three receptions for 24 yards. His ability to make the most of his opportunities hinted at a bright future.
Sophomore Season (2023):
Sampson’s role expanded in his sophomore campaign. Playing in all 12 games, he became the team’s second-leading rusher with 604 yards and seven touchdowns on 106 carries, averaging a solid 5.7 yards per attempt. He also became more involved in the passing game, recording 17 receptions for 175 yards and one touchdown. His versatility as both a runner and receiver became increasingly evident. Notably, he had a standout performance in the season opener against Virginia, scoring four total touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving). He also rushed for a career-high 139 yards against UTSA. He earned his first career start in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa, rushing for 133 yards.
Junior Season (2024):
His junior season was a breakout year, solidifying his status as a premier offensive threat in the SEC. Sampson took over as the featured back and shattered school records. He rushed for 1,491 yards and a school single-season record of 22 touchdowns on 258 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He also contributed 20 receptions for 143 yards in the passing game. His remarkable season earned him First-Team All-SEC honors and the prestigious SEC Offensive Player of the Year award. On December 27, 2024, Sampson declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Career Statistics:
Season Games Played Rushing Attempts Rushing Yards Rushing Average Rushing Touchdowns Receptions Receiving Yards Receiving Average Receiving Touchdowns
2022 10 58 397 6.8 6 3 24 8.0 0
2023 12 106 604 5.7 7 17 175 10.3 1
2024 13 258 1491 5.8 22 20 143 7.2 0
Career 35 422 2492 5.9 35 40 342 8.6 1
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NFL Draft Prospects: Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Following his impressive college career, Dylan Sampson has entered the 2025 NFL Draft. While his production and accolades speak volumes, NFL scouts are evaluating various aspects of his game to determine his potential at the professional level.
Strengths:
Explosiveness and Speed: Sampson possesses impressive speed and quickness, allowing him to burst through the line of scrimmage and gain significant yardage. His 4.46-second 40-yard dash at Tennessee’s pro day further confirms his speed.
Vision and Patience: He demonstrates good vision in identifying running lanes and exhibits patience in allowing blocks to develop before hitting the hole.
Versatility as a Receiver: Sampson has shown the ability to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield, providing another dimension to the offense.
Touchdown Production: His knack for finding the end zone is undeniable, setting school records for rushing touchdowns.
Elusiveness: He possesses good agility and lateral movement, making him difficult for defenders to tackle in space.
Work Ethic and Production: His consistent improvement and high production, especially in his junior year, showcase his dedication and ability to handle a significant workload.
Areas for Improvement:
Size: At 5’8″ and 200 lbs, Sampson is considered undersized for a traditional NFL workhorse back. Durability at the next level could be a concern.
Pass Protection: While willing, his pass-blocking technique and ability to anchor against larger NFL defenders need further refinement.
Fumbles: He experienced some issues with fumbles in the latter part of his 2024 season, which will be a point of emphasis for NFL teams.
Long Speed Consistency: While he ran a good 40-yard dash, some scouts might want to see more consistent breakaway speed on game film against top-tier competition.
Pre-Draft Measurables (NFL Combine/Pro Day):
Height: 5′ 8 1/8″
Weight: 200 lbs
Arm Length: 30 1/2″
Hand Span: 8 3/4″
40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds (Pro Day)
10-Yard Split: 1.58 seconds
20-Yard Split: 2.59 seconds
Vertical Jump: 35.0 inches
Broad Jump: 10′ 4″
Bench Press: 13 reps
Potential NFL Fit and Future Outlook
Dylan Sampson’s skill set could make him a valuable asset to several NFL teams. His explosiveness and receiving ability are coveted in modern offenses, and his knack for scoring touchdowns is a significant plus. Teams looking for a dynamic playmaker who can contribute in multiple facets of the offense could be particularly interested.
Given his size, he might be best utilized in a role where he can complement another back, offering explosive plays and receiving threat. His special teams potential could also add to his value. While his pass protection needs development, teams that prioritize his rushing and receiving abilities might be willing to work with him in that area.
FAQs
Who is Dylan Sampson?
Dylan Sampson is a former University of Tennessee running back who had a record-breaking junior season in 2024. He declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after leading the Volunteers to their first College Football Playoff appearance. Known for his explosive speed and agility, Sampson hails from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was part of Coach Josh Heupel’s inaugural recruiting class in 2021.
What were Dylan Sampson’s stats in the 2024 season?
In 2024, Sampson rushed for 1,491 yards and scored 22 touchdowns on 258 carries, setting multiple school records. He also recorded 19 receptions for 141 yards. His performance earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award and several All-America honors.
Which records did Dylan Sampson break at Tennessee?
Sampson set several single-season records at Tennessee in 2024:
Rushing Yards: 1,491
Rushing Touchdowns: 22
Total Touchdowns: 22
Points Scored: 132
Consecutive Games with a Rushing TD: 11
100-Yard Rushing Games: 10 (second-most in school history)
He surpassed the previous single-season rushing record of 1,464 yards set by Travis Stephens in 2001.
How did Dylan Sampson perform in his college career overall?
Over three seasons (2022–2024), Sampson accumulated:
Rushing Yards: 2,492
Rushing Touchdowns: 35
Receptions: 40 for 342 yards and 1 touchdown
He ranks second in career rushing touchdowns at Tennessee, just behind Gene McEver’s 37 from 1928–31.
Why did Dylan Sampson declare for the NFL Draft?
After a historic junior season and leading Tennessee to the College Football Playoff, Sampson chose to forgo his senior year to pursue a professional career. He announced his decision on December 27, 2024, expressing gratitude to the Tennessee community and his teammates.
What is Dylan Sampson’s NFL Draft projection?
Sampson is considered a top-10 running back prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. His speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash) and elusiveness make him an attractive option for teams seeking a dynamic playmaker. Analysts have noted his potential as a valuable addition to NFL backfields, particularly in dual-back systems.
Did Dylan Sampson face any injuries?
Sampson sustained a left hamstring injury during the College Football Playoff game against Ohio State, limiting him to just two carries for six yards. Despite this setback, his overall health and durability throughout the season have been praised.
What is Dylan Sampson’s academic background?
Off the field, Sampson was a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient, maintaining a 3.43 GPA while majoring in information sciences. He was also a member of the 2023–24 VOLeaders Academy, participating in a leadership trip to South Africa.
Which NFL teams are interested in Dylan Sampson?
The New Orleans Saints have shown interest in Sampson, considering him a potential complement to veteran running back Alvin Kamara. His Louisiana roots and playstyle make him a fitting candidate for the Saints’ backfield.
To conclude
Dylan Sampson’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic, cementing his legacy in Tennessee football history. His combination of speed, agility, and vision on the field led to record-breaking performances and numerous accolades. As he transitions to the professional level, Sampson’s work ethic and leadership qualities, both on and off the field, position him as a promising prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his talents translate to the next level.
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