Dylan Sampson: Tennessee’s Dynamic Running Back Poised for a Breakout 2025 Season with Explosive Speed and Versatile Playmaking.

As the 2025 college football season approaches, one player who is generating significant buzz is Dylan Sampson, the dynamic running back from the University of Tennessee. Known for his explosive speed, exceptional vision, and versatility, Sampson is poised to have a breakout season that could elevate his status to one of the top running backs in the nation. After a solid but under-the-radar 2024 season, Sampson enters 2025 as a player to watch, with the potential to significantly impact both the Tennessee Volunteers and the broader college football landscape.

Early Life and High School Career

Dylan Sampson’s journey to the University of Tennessee began in the small town of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Growing up in a football-centric state, Sampson was immersed in the sport from an early age, and it quickly became clear that he had the talent to excel at the highest levels. Throughout his high school career at Baton Rouge High School, Sampson demonstrated not only his physical gifts but also his dedication to the game.

During his high school career, Sampson was a standout running back who consistently racked up impressive stats, rushing for over 1,500 yards in each of his last two seasons. His combination of breakaway speed and natural football IQ made him a nightmare for defenders in Louisiana, one of the most competitive high school football states in the country. What set Sampson apart, however, was his ability to make defenders miss in the open field, using a combination of speed, agility, and vision to navigate through even the most formidable defenses.

Sampson’s high school success earned him a spot in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game, where he faced off against the top recruits in the nation. His performance in that game—highlighted by several long runs and impressive bursts of speed—only solidified his status as one of the top running back recruits in the nation. As his recruitment grew, many Power Five programs showed interest, but Sampson ultimately chose the University of Tennessee, drawn by the Volunteers’ reputation for developing talent and their commitment to a high-powered offensive scheme.

College Career: A Strong Start and Building Momentum

Sampson arrived at Tennessee in 2023, joining a crowded running back room that included veteran players and highly rated recruits. Despite the competition, Sampson quickly impressed coaches with his work ethic, attitude, and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His freshman year saw him contribute in both the running and receiving game, showcasing his versatility early on. Although he didn’t start as the primary back, he was given a solid number of touches and had his moments, particularly in blowout wins where he showed glimpses of his potential.

In the 2024 season, Sampson took another step forward. While he wasn’t the undisputed starter, he proved himself as a reliable option in Tennessee’s backfield, offering a change of pace from the more traditional power running backs on the roster. Sampson’s explosiveness and speed made him a constant threat every time he touched the ball, and by the end of the season, he had accumulated over 800 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. He averaged over 5 yards per carry and caught 30 passes for 300 yards, showing just how dangerous he could be as both a runner and a receiver.

While Sampson’s 2024 season was strong, he was still overshadowed by the emergence of other players in Tennessee’s offense. However, those who paid attention to his play saw a back with the potential to be a star. Sampson’s ability to change direction on a dime and accelerate through small gaps made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and his patience and vision allowed him to read blocks effectively and hit the right holes. These attributes helped him flourish in Tennessee’s fast-paced, up-tempo offense, which allowed him to showcase his skill set in open spaces.

Strengths: Speed, Agility, and Vision

As Sampson heads into the 2025 season, it’s clear that his greatest strengths lie in his speed, agility, and vision. These attributes make him one of the most dangerous running backs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and give him the potential to be one of the top running backs in the country. Let’s break down these traits and explore why they’re so critical to his success on the field.

1. Explosive Speed

One of Sampson’s most evident traits is his speed. Clocked at a sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash, Sampson’s straight-line speed is among the best in college football. This speed allows him to turn routine runs into explosive plays, making him a constant threat for long-distance touchdowns. Whether it’s bursting through a hole created by his offensive line or outrunning defenders to the edge, Sampson’s ability to accelerate quickly after receiving the handoff is a game-changer. This explosive speed makes him particularly dangerous in the open field, where he can leave defenders in the dust.

In addition to his straight-line speed, Sampson’s burst off the line of scrimmage and ability to change gears in the middle of a run gives him a dynamic edge. Defenders who may initially have an angle on him quickly find themselves outpaced when Sampson hits the next gear. This sudden acceleration is what makes him such a dangerous player in space, particularly on stretch runs or screen passes where he can take advantage of open areas.

2. Agility and Elusiveness

While speed is an essential component of Sampson’s game, it’s his agility and elusiveness that truly set him apart. He has an uncanny ability to make defenders miss in the open field, using a combination of quick cuts, jukes, and spin moves to evade tacklers. His balance and body control allow him to make sharp changes in direction without losing speed, making him particularly effective at breaking tackles and avoiding defenders in tight spaces.

Sampson’s agility also extends to his ability to navigate through traffic. He’s adept at weaving through offensive linemen and defenders, using his vision to find small openings in the defense. This elusiveness is what makes him a threat even when the play is designed to go to the inside or between the tackles. In short-yardage situations, his ability to make defenders miss and pick up extra yards is invaluable, giving him an edge over more straight-line, power-based backs.

3. Vision and Patience

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Sampson’s game is his vision and patience as a runner. Unlike some speed-oriented backs who rely solely on their explosiveness, Sampson is willing to wait for plays to develop and doesn’t rush into gaps that aren’t there. His patience behind the line of scrimmage allows him to wait for his offensive line to open up running lanes before hitting them with full force.

Sampson’s vision allows him to read defenders and anticipate where the defense will be, giving him the ability to cut back against the grain and break off big runs. Whether it’s a designed power run or a stretch play, Sampson’s ability to quickly process what the defense is doing and make the right decision is a key element of his skill set.

2025 Season: Breaking Out

As Tennessee enters the 2025 season, the expectations for Dylan Sampson are higher than ever. With several key departures from last year’s offense, including standout quarterback Joe Milton and star wide receiver Bru McCoy, Sampson will be one of the focal points of the Volunteers’ attack. With the Tennessee offense likely to remain pass-heavy under head coach Josh Heupel’s up-tempo system, Sampson will have the opportunity to show off his skills in a variety of ways.

1. Expanded Role in the Offense

In 2025, Sampson is expected to be the centerpiece of Tennessee’s running game. With a more experienced offensive line and a potent passing attack that will keep defenses on their heels, Sampson will have the space and opportunities to make big plays. While he has already demonstrated his ability as a versatile weapon, expect his role to expand as both a runner and receiver. The Volunteers will likely utilize him in both traditional running back sets and as a receiver out of the backfield, giving him a chance to showcase his full range of abilities.

2. Increased Production and Impact

Sampson’s 2024 season was solid, but he’s now primed to take the next step in his development. With more touches, more opportunities in the passing game, and a heavier workload in critical moments, Sampson is poised to put up much more significant numbers in 2025. He could easily surpass 1,000 rushing yards while adding another 400-500 yards as a receiver, making him one of the most productive all-purpose players in the SEC.

The combination of speed, agility, and vision will allow Sampson to take advantage of Tennessee’s fast-paced, spread offense. He’ll be asked to contribute in a variety of ways, including in short-yardage situations, on third downs, and as a red-zone weapon. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field will also be key in maximizing his opportunities for explosive plays.