Dylan Sampson announcement that he is leaving the Vol now another significant issue for the Team……
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava isn’t the only Tennessee football playmaker taking the torch from a veteran player in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
Running back Dylan Sampson will make his first start after 1,000-yard rusher Jaylen Wright and veteran Jabari Small opted out of the bowl game
Sampson, a sophomore, was a change-of-pace runner in a backfield trio this season. But now he’s RB1, and he has waited eagerly to take on that role.
“I’m ready for this. This is what I want,” he said. “It’s what I’ve been working for, to have the opportunity to showcase and help my teammates. It’s going to be a good and new mental space that I’ll adjust to, getting back in that role. But it’s going to be fun.”
Sampson, like Iamaleava, was going to take over the starting job next season. The Citrus Bowl will provide just a sneak preview when No. 21 Tennessee (8-4) plays No. 17 Iowa (10-3) on Monday (1 p.m. ET, ABC) at Camping World Stadium.
