Whenever Dylan Sampson greets fans during the Vol Walk or goes through pregame warmups, he can always be seen donning his signature chain. The neckwear features his initials, jersey number and a small, red rose pendant. The rose is an homage to Tupac Shakur’s famous poem, “The Rose that Grew from Concrete,” which reads as follows.

Did you hear about the rose that grew
from a crack in the concrete?
Proving nature’s laws wrong,
It learned to walk without having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else ever cared.

Sampson says he keeps the chain as a reminder that even when life isn’t perfect, to keep growing and blooming no matter the circumstances. After two seasons forming an elite trio in Tennessee’s running back room, Sampson has taken the reins as the starting back in 2024 and blossomed into one of the top offensive players in the country.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native has grown a lot in his time at Tennessee. His journey began in 2022 when he enrolled early and made an immediate impression on the coaching staff. His speed, explosiveness and playmaking ability were evident from the start, and he quickly caught attention as a rising star. However, just like the rose, Sampson’s path to success wasn’t always smooth.

One of the defining moments in Sampson’s life came in 2016 when his grandfather passed away from cancer. The loss deeply affected Sampson, at one point even debating giving up athletics entirely.

“There were people in my life outside of my original family who were there for me,” Sampson said on healing from his grandfather’s passing. “A lot of people in my summer track program helped shape me into the person I am today. They taught me what it really means to work hard and have fun.” 

What went from his lowest moment ended up serving as a catalyst for his determination. He vowed to honor his grandfather’s memory by working hard and striving for excellence.

Our feature on prolific @Vol_Football RB Dylan Sampson, and how @2PAC inspired Sampson to shine light for so many others. ?? pic.twitter.com/BMAjfZmeU0— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) October 19, 2024

Sampson’s commitment to his craft is evident in his approach to the game. He is known for his dedication to the weight room, his meticulous preparation and his relentless pursuit of perfection. His coaches and teammates rave about his work ethic and his leadership qualities.

On the field, Sampson is a force to be reckoned with. He possesses a rare combination of speed, power and agility that allows him to make defenders miss and break long runs. His ability to find a crease in the defense and burst through the line of scrimmage is a sight to behold.

After delivering a memorable performance against Alabama, Sampson’s head coach had high praise for his RB1’s efforts against the Crimson Tide.

(The performance) epitomizes him as a competitor. He’s special. He can feel the ability to run, get out in space and get behind his pads… (we) gave him an opportunity to get started and create some plays. Resiliency from him too, he gets banged up a little bit and fumbles early but comes back and keeps competing. Huge part of the game tonight.

Josh Heupel

Through only seven games this season, he has accumulated 838 yards and amassed 17 rushing touchdowns — one shy of the single-season program record for rushing scores set by Gene McEver in 1929. On the Tennessee career charts, Sampson currently sits fourth all time in rushing touchdowns at 30, chasing McEver again who totaled 37 in his time on Rocky Top from 1928-31.

The 2024 season has been a year of dominance for Sampson. He has consistently produced at a high level and established himself as one of the best running backs in the country. Sampson’s ability to make plays in both the running and passing game has made him a valuable asset to this Tennessee offense.

“He’s always had great vision and great pace,” Heupel said of Sampson’s development. “Obviously, he has good long speed and he’s really good between tackles. I think his growth of continuing to understand what we’re doing and physical development, just his strength in the middle of the football field, he’s really strong in between the tackles. He continues to make a bunch of plays for us and finish the game in the right way, which is huge.”

Before his arrival at Tennessee, Sampson made a name for himself as a standout running back at Dutchtown High School in Louisiana. Thanks to his speed and agility, Sampson shattered school records and earned all-state honors. His performances on the football field caught the attention of college coaches across the country, and he ultimately decided to commit to the Volunteers.

The transition from high school to college football can be challenging for even the most talented players. Sampson faced his own set of obstacles as he adjusted to the increased speed and physicality of the game. However, his natural ability and work ethic allowed him to quickly adapt.

In his freshman season, Sampson saw limited playing time but made the most of his opportunities. He showcased his ability to make defenders miss, and he finished the season with several impressive performances.

Sampson’s sophomore season was a real breakout year. He established himself as a key contributor to the Tennessee offense, and he became a fan favorite with his electrifying runs and touchdown celebrations. Sampson’s ability to break tackles and find the end zone made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

While Sampson’s on-field accomplishments are impressive, it’s his character and his commitment to making a difference that truly set him apart. He is a dedicated student, a passionate community advocate and a role model for young athletes.

Sampson is deeply involved in the community. He is a passionate advocate for social justice and equality, and he uses his platform to raise awareness about important issues. Sampson believes that athletes have a responsibility to give back and make a positive impact on society.

I want to continue to be a successful football player and give back to the community. I also want to be a role model for young people. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given and I want to use my platform to make a positive impact on the world.

Dylan Sampson

Sampson’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance. He has exceeded all expectations and emerged as a national star. But what truly makes him special is his character, his determination and his commitment to making a difference.