What Tennessee Volunteers standout running back Dylan Dampson has been able to get done this year has been historic. He has broken multiple Tennessee records, including the new top marks for single-season rushing touchdowns and single-season total scores.
Sampson has been the best running back in the SEC, which used to mean something. If you ask the Doak Walker Award selection committee, it doesn’t in 2024. The committee released the finalists for the honor given to the top RB in the country, but Sampson was somehow left out of the final three. Are you kidding us here?
We don’t want to take away from this recognition for Ashton Jeanty, Kaleb Johnson and Omarion Hampton, but how in the (expletive) was Sampson left off this list? Thus far this season, Sampson has rushed for 1,307 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Oh, and he’s doing it for the No. 7 team in the country, which has one foot in the door for the College Football Playoff. Yes, Jeanty should no question be here and he’s probably going to end up winning things. However, we can surely make the argument that Sampson belongs to be featured over Johnson and Hampton.
Sampson has been one of the best players in the SEC this year, arguably the best. He leads the conference in rushing touchdowns, rushing TDs in SEC games, consecutive games with a touchdown, rushing yards, points scored, all-purpose yards and more.
What in the world do the Vols have to do to get some respect? A quick look on social media shows that Tennessee fans are furious Sampson was left off and plenty of college football analysts are matching their energy. This was not only a major miss, but totally disrespectful to the incredible season Sampson is having. Give us a break.
