Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Size:
Height: 5081
Weight: 200
Arm: 30 ½”
Hand: 8 ¾”
Accomplishments:
Doak Walker Award Watch List (2024)
“Dylan Sampson is a multi-speed back with the suddenness and contact balance of a day-one starting workhorse back.”
Strengths:
Contact balance
Short-area quickness
Multi-speed back with a third gear
Vision
Concerns:
Protection is not a strong suit yet
Will need to adjust to NFL run game
Film Analysis:
Dylan Sampson, a former three-star recruit from Baton Rouge, has rapidly developed into one of the premier running back prospects in college football. Now entering his junior season with the Tennessee Volunteers, Sampson is eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft and is widely regarded as one of the top running backs available. Known for his versatility and explosiveness, he combines patience, power, and vision to excel as both a rusher and a potential asset in the passing game. Sampson’s well-rounded skill set makes him a high-upside prospect who could thrive in the NFL from day one.
Sampson excels at running the ball with a versatile style. He is a multi-speed back capable of adjusting his tempo in both crowded trenches and the open field. Between the tackles, he demonstrates patience and a keen anticipation of second-level movement, doing an excellent job of pressing his blocks. He’s also highly aware of his running lane, expertly feeling and exploiting the defense’s leverage.
With the ball in his hands, Sampson displays a suddenness that is characteristic of the best players at his position. Additionally, he possesses an exceptionally strong lower body, allowing him to bounce off, shed, or absorb tackles. His balance and elusiveness after contact consistently result in impressive yards gained. Given his explosiveness, Sampson has significant potential in the NFL as a threat in the passing game. He’s the kind of player who should be heavily involved in an offense, utilized in multiple ways across the field.
At the next level, Sampson may need to adapt to different offensive schemes, especially those less reliant on light boxes and RPOs. Enhancing his pass protection skills will further solidify his potential to become a versatile, every-down back from day one. His suddenness, anticipation, and ability to gain yards after contact are all qualities that should translate seamlessly to the NFL.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Exposures: NC State (2024), Kent State (2024), Oklahoma (2024)
