Vol Club Confidential: Dylan Sampson

Louisiana native Dylan Sampson burst on to the scene last fall with a strong close to the 2022 season. After an even stronger spring, Sampson is ready to build on his success and produce more this fall at running back.

“I feel like the season was really big for me,” Sampson said. “In terms of being in a limited running back I knew there would be times where I have to step up and play. I was doing the best I could to be prepared and I felt like it ultimately helped me progress as a player and as a person to step into this spring. Moving in the offense as RB1 at times when Jabari and Jay Wright weren’t there. It just produced more comfortability in the room and on the field.”

For most young backs, the ability to get on the field comes down to pass protection. A moment at LSU last fall hurt his playing time but ultimately opened his eyes to the importance of protecting his quarterback.

“Just me stepping back and refocusing,” Sampson said. “It wasn’t that I didn’t know what to do as much as it was first big SEC game, back at home in Louisiana and that was one of the freshman moments I had. Thank God nothing bad happened but that was one of biggest stepping stones for me. That’s a top five quarterback in this draft class and our job is to protect him and our coaches tell us that. That was a chance for me to step back to get on my A game for later in the season.”

Which led to a big night against Vanderbilt in November and gave him so much confidence going forward. He posted his first career 100-yard rushing performance at that night by logging 12 carries for 131 yards which included an 80-yard scoring burst in the 4th quarter. He would earn SEC freshman of the week.

“Everybody’s dream is to have the long touchdowns,” Sampson said. “Ultimately that’s why they brought me in to be the home run hitter. I felt like I showed the people what I can do. The whole running back room had a good day. When I broke that tackle I was like no way that just happened. It was a good feeling knowing we did well that day. It was a confidence booster and we put on a good show for the fans.”

Watch the full episode of Vol Club Confidential below.

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