Dylan Sampson’s first start for Tennessee football came against an Iowa team that allowed 3.1 yards per carry. The stout defense didn’t seem to faze the sophomore.

Sampson broke off for 133 yards and 20 carries in the Citrus Bowl to help lead Tennessee to a 35-0 victory over Iowa.

“I feel it was solid, a good start, the first Started my career,” Sampson said. “There’s still a lot to go out there and get done. Can’t wait to show all the versatility, but, man, I’m just excited for this team. Thank you for my O-line, man. We took on that challenge.”

Sampson’s season could be categorized as up-and-down in many facets. He had as many as 17 carries against Kentucky and none against Florida. He season total peaked against UTSA when he ran for 139 yards on 11 carries.

The rest of the year fell somewhere in-between. His Citrus Bowl performance will be the one to take into next season.

He ran with patience and played with poise as he filled in for opt-out Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small. In 2024, Sampson will be called upon to be the leader in the running back room.

“I was excited for this game,” Sampson said. “I needed this game and I wanted to be in that role for myself and, you know what I’m saying, for my coaches’ eyes. They needed to see me in a starting (role) with multiple carries, and I want to prove every time that I’m not just a carries here, carries there type of guy.

“My goal is to be that No. 1 running back, however form and fashion it is, but it’s just building blocks. I think this was a good step. It’s time to work and get better.”

There are still some questions for Sampson as he takes over the starting running back position. The 5-foot-11 and 190-pound back struggles at times in pass protection. He also had a shovel pass go off his hands during the bowl game.

There is growth to be made, but his burst and open-field ability running with the football make him an exciting piece for the 2024 team.

“As soon as we finished this game, I told everybody it’s just time to go to work,” Sampson said. “Everybody ready to go to work, just time to drop off the grid and show up in 2024 ready to dominate.”

Freshman Cameron Seldon flashes in Citrus Bowl 

Cameron Seldon made the most of his drives in the Citrus Bowl. The freshman who converted to running back from wide receiver ran for 55 yards on 13 carries, also flashing his open-field speed.

“He really had some good runs down there,” Sampson said. “And I you know, man, the more y’all see from him, the more he starts to run the ball, the more comfortable he’ll get — but the sky is the limit for him. I’m excited to go to work with him as well as Khalifa (Keith) but but the sky the limit. Y’all gonna see all his athleticism going down the road.”

Fellow freshman Khalifa Keith also got some run in the Citrus Bowl, going for 10 yards on four carries. The pair of freshman, along with some incoming help from the high school ranks, will add depth behind the talented Sampson.