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Jerry Mack names Tennessee RB who has worked ‘a little bit harder’ to earn role in 2023
By Ethan Stone
Published:
The SEC’s yards per carry leader resides in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dylan Sampson, the Vols’ electric sophomore running back, has been a terror so far this season despite sitting 3rd in rushing attempts for Tennessee’s RBs. Sampson is averaging an uber-impressive 7.37 yards per carry through Week 4.
Now, there is a catch. Sampson has 20 less rushing attempts than 2nd place on the list, which happens to be Tennessee RB Jaylen Wright.
Wright’s breakout justifies getting more carries than Sampson so far this year. He’s bigger and has a better ability of shedding tacklers in the open field, albeit not by much. But as we move forward, Sampson being buried in the depth chart is becoming more and more egregious as the Vols struggle to meet their expectations offensively.
Tennessee RB coach Jerry Mack addressed Sampson’s recent performances on Tuesday. He told reporters that Sampson has perhaps worked harder than any back on Tennessee’s roster in an effort to prove he belongs in the game.
Sampson, who has 5 touchdowns and is averaging 7.3 yards per carry, has just 27 rushing attempts this season. That’s 30th in the SEC among RBs.
Tennessee RB coach Jerry Mack on Dylan Sampson: He worked the same – matter of fact, he probably worked a little bit harder to show us that he should have a role in every gameplan.
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 26, 2023
We’ll see how much of a role Sampson gets this week as the Vols host South Carolina. Tennessee is looking for revenge following the Gamecocks’ dismantling of the Vols last season in Columbia.
Kick is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
