Breaking News: Head Coach Smart Kirby Reacts Shockingly to Tennessee Star Dylan Sampson’s Major Announcement

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football community, Tennessee Volunteers’ star running back Dylan Sampson announced his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This announcement has elicited a range of reactions, notably from Georgia Bulldogs’ head coach Kirby Smart, who has been vocal in his admiration for Sampson’s talents.

Dylan Sampson’s 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. The junior running back amassed 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, setting new single-season records for the Volunteers. His performance earned him the SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors and played a pivotal role in Tennessee’s 10-3 season, culminating in a College Football Playoff appearance. (Reuters)

Sampson’s impact was felt in key games, including a dominant performance against Kentucky, where he rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns, leading Tennessee to a 28-18 victory. (CT Insider)

Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart has not hidden his admiration for Sampson. In a press conference, Smart described Sampson as an “elite runner” and drew comparisons between Sampson and former Tennessee great Alvin Kamara.(AtoZ Sports)

“He is an elite runner,” Smart said. “The runs they run are sometimes nontraditional. They run some runs that other people don’t run because of the space in the box. He’s very patient. He hits small creases. He’s hard to tackle. I mean, you don’t put up how many touchdowns he’s got in the SEC, 20-something? I mean, that’s crazy. In the SEC? The SEC’s the hardest league in the world to run the ball in, because they’ve got the most (big) sized defensive linemen. And he continues to do it at a crazy pace to me.” (AtoZ Sports)

Smart’s comparison to Kamara is significant, considering Kamara’s successful transition from college to the NFL, where he became a standout player for the New Orleans Saints.

Sampson’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft was announced via a heartfelt Instagram post. He expressed gratitude to “Vol Nation” and reflected on his time in Knoxville, stating, “Knoxville has become my home and has made me a better human over the years. I’m going to miss the feeling of rolling up to the Vol Walk, running through the ‘T,’ and hearing the Pride of … .'” (thespun.com, Reuters)

Despite a hamstring injury that limited his performance in the playoff loss to Ohio State, Sampson’s overall collegiate impact includes 2,492 rushing yards, 35 touchdowns, and 342 receiving yards. (Reuters)

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel expressed his support for Sampson’s decision, acknowledging the void his departure would leave. “Dylan has been an incredible player, and he’s done things on the field that few people could ever dream of. But what matters most is that Dylan is doing what he feels is right for him. We support him in that, and we know that whatever path he takes, he will continue to do great things,” Heupel stated. (zebcruita.com)

Teammates and fans alike shared their reactions, with many expressing surprise and offering well-wishes for Sampson’s future endeavors.

As Dylan Sampson prepares for the next chapter in his football career, his legacy at Tennessee is firmly established. His exceptional performances, leadership, and character have left an indelible mark on the Volunteers’ program. With endorsements from respected figures like Kirby Smart and a record-setting college career, Sampson enters the NFL Draft with high expectations and the support of a grateful fanbase.(supersportupdate.co.uk)