Dylan Sampson - For Future Generations

In just his freshman year with the program, Dylan Sampson helped the Tennessee Volunteers on their way to a historic 2022 football season. The running back finished the season with 58 carries and six touchdowns, including a performance against Vanderbilt that included over 100 rushing yards and being named the SEC Freshman of the Week. As the speedy back prepares with the Volunteers for the 2023 season, he has been grounded by faith and says he hopes to use his gifts to inspire others.

A prized piece of an impressive class of 2022 recruiting class for Tennessee, Sampson was a star out of Dutchtown High School in Louisiana. As he netted offers from some of the top programs throughout the country, his faith played a key role in guiding him and keeping him on the right path.

“Faith has always played a major role in my life, and growing up around it was a major reason why. Although I have been through and seen many dark times within my family, myself, and this world alone, I have learned that keeping faith and Jesus close through good and bad times creates a strong foundation.”

That foundation allowed Sampson to thrive on the field this season for Tennessee, where he says he knows his value regardless of his performance on the field. As he looks to become an even more important part of the Volunteers’ plans moving forward, faith guides him every time that he takes the field.

“Faith is the driving factor in my football career. I believe we are blessed with gifts and talents and have been put on this stage to in turn spread the word and faith of God. When much is given, much is required.”

Sampson takes the role of giving back seriously and says his goals for his career lie far beyond just the football field. Already inspiring countless fans throughout Knoxville and around the country, Sampson wants to be known for more than just his performance on the field. He says the idea of shining a light and inspiring others is what drives him each and every day.

“Given this platform and my talents, I hope to inspire the next generations in a positive light. I want to be known as a child of God and continue to spread that to next generations and anyone who looks up to me.”

When talking to Dylan, what stands out about him is his true passion for making a difference. Strengthened by the heartache and difficulties that he has gone through, Dylan looks to move forward and be a light and inspiration for future generations. Through his gifts on the football field, Dylan always wants to give back and be a beacon of light, letting God work through him to make the greatest impact possible.