Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson had one of the best seasons we've ever seen on Rocky Top from the running back position.
Sampson finished his Junior season with 1,485 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Both of those marks led the SEC, and he broke Tennessee's program record for touchdowns in a season.
Action Network's Brett McMurphy shared his displeasure with the disrespect Sampson has received at the national level after a record-breaking season. McMurphy is a Heisman voter and believes Sampson should be a Heisman finalist and had a better season than Travis Hunter and Dillon Gabriel.
"I am DISGUSTED at the disrespect that RB Dylan Sampson is getting," McMurphy said on X on Monday evening. "If Dylan Sampson played for Texas, Georgia, or Alabama, he would have gotten the invitation to New York."
I’m a Heisman voter. I am DISGUSTED at the disrespect that #Vols RB Dylan Sampson is getting. He shattered multiple records that had been in place for decades. Some of these guys had good seasons (Travis Hunter and Dillon Gabriel) but they didn’t have program record shattering…
— Brett McMurphy (@BMcMurphyCFB) December 10, 2024
Sampson has received some disrespect for his multiple national awards. It's not surprising that he won't win multiple national awards, but it is a bit surprising that he was not a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which recognizes the best running back in the country.
However, he has received several conference recognitions, including being named the USA Today SEC Player of the Year and a first-team All-SEC player.
Sampson will have the chance to prove the doubters wrong later this month. The Vols travel to play Ohio State in Columbus in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
Tennessee should have a slight advantage in the trenches against the Buckeyes defensive line. If Tennessee can establish the run early in that game, another big game could be in store for Sampson and the Vols.