Dylan Sampson and Jermod McCoy were named All-Americans.
Both Dylan Sampson and Jermod McCoy were chosen for ESPN’s All-American second team following outstanding seasons. Sampson led the Volunteers’ rushing offense and set the SEC record for carries, yards, and ground-based touchdowns. McCoy had an outstanding sophomore season and was an essential member of the volunteer defense.
In 2024, Sampson played for the Volunteers as an electric back. The 5-foot-11, 201-pound back punished second-level defenders by exploding through rushing lanes with a combination of size, speed, and exceptional vision. He had 258 carries for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns at the end of the season.
With Sampson’s help, the Volunteers led the SEC in rushing yards for the second season in a row. Sampson was the true definition of a workhorse, leading all SEC players in plays from scrimmage with 278.
Being named to the ESPN All-American team is another award Sampson can add to his resume as he takes his talents to the NFL. Last month Sampson announced he would be forgoing his senior year and entering his name into the NFL draft. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. rated Sampson as the No. 10 running back prospect eligible for the 2025 draft.
McCoy made the decision to use the transfer portal following a strong first campaign at Oregon State, where he recorded 31 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups. The four-star transfer pledge went to Tennessee, and McCoy had an instant impact on the Volunteers. 44 tackles, four interceptions, and nine pass breakups were recorded by the 6-foot, 193-pound cornerback. Unfortunately, McCoy tore his ACL during an off-season workout, thus Tennessee will not have him for spring practices.
In just his sophomore season, McCoy helped command one of the nation’s best defenses. Second in the SEC, the Volunteers gave up just 293 yards per game.
Sampson and McCoy both had exceptional seasons and were selected to the ESPN All-American second team this year, continuing Tennessee’s tradition of producing some of the best players in the country.
