Tennessee Volunteers running back Dylan Sampson has shown remarkable patience and perseverance throughout his college football career, and his message to young athletes is one that many need to hear.
From the moment he stepped onto the field for the Tennessee Vols, fans recognized his potential. As a highly touted four-star recruit, Sampson wasted no time proving himself, racking up 51 yards and a touchdown in his first-ever game as a true freshman in 2022. He quickly became a key contributor, scoring four touchdowns in his first four games. His breakout performance came at the end of the 2022 regular season when he ran for 131 yards and a touchdown in a dominant showing against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Despite his early flashes of brilliance, Sampson had to wait for his time to shine as the feature back. During his first two seasons at Tennessee, he found himself in a rotation, playing behind established running backs Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright. While some players might have become frustrated with limited carries, Sampson remained patient, understanding that his moment would come. And in 2024, when he finally took over as Tennessee’s lead running back, he made the most of it—setting the school’s single-season records for both rushing yards and touchdowns.
Following his junior season, Sampson declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. At the NFL scouting combine, he was asked about his experience playing a smaller role early in his college career. His response offered invaluable advice for young athletes navigating their own journeys in football.
“I think a lot of people coming out of high school have that problem because we’re all ‘the guy’ at our high school,” Sampson said in an interview with NBC Sports’ Connor Rogers. “I just feel like the best things come with time. Some things just don’t come fast and everybody’s path is different. I was blessed to kind of have a role my freshman year. We had three running backs rotating my sophomore year, it’s like ‘what can you do?’ I can’t be mad. It’s hard enough on a coach, as it is on me, to try to rotate all of us. But just having patience, taking time. And when your moment comes, take it. Take advantage of it.”
Sampson’s words reflect a mindset that is becoming increasingly rare in today’s college football landscape. With the NCAA transfer portal and lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals available, many players now choose to transfer at the first sign of adversity, believing they should receive immediate playing time. While there are certainly cases where transferring makes sense, Sampson’s journey is a reminder that development takes time and that sometimes, waiting for the right opportunity can be far more beneficial than constantly searching for a quick fix.
The reality is that every player’s path to success is different. Some athletes adjust to the college level quickly, while others take longer to develop. There is no single timeline that fits everyone. What truly matters is staying committed, putting in the work, and being prepared for the moment when an opportunity arises. For players with the talent to reach the NFL, patience and perseverance can often be just as important as raw ability.
Sampson’s experience proves that a player doesn’t need to start for multiple seasons to catch the attention of NFL scouts. Sometimes, one great year is all it takes. By staying at Tennessee and continuing to develop instead of transferring, he put himself in the best possible position for future success. Had he bounced around between schools in search of immediate playing time or a bigger NIL deal, he might not have reached the same level of development that he did by sticking it out and earning his role over time.
One of the most impressive aspects of Sampson’s approach was his attitude during his time as a backup. Instead of becoming frustrated or bitter, he embraced his role, learned from the veteran players ahead of him, and continued improving his game. He understood that his time would come and that when it did, he needed to be ready. That mindset not only made him a better player but also helped him develop as a leader within the team.
The problem with the current transfer culture in college football is that many young athletes don’t allow themselves the time to grow. Some players might move to multiple schools in just a few years, constantly seeking the “right fit,” only to end up with a fragmented college career that doesn’t allow them to truly develop. In contrast, Sampson’s steady progression at Tennessee—going from a talented backup to a record-breaking starter—illustrates the value of staying the course.
Coaches at all levels emphasize the importance of development, and Sampson is a textbook example of how that process works. While it’s understandable that players want immediate success, the truth is that not everyone can be a day-one starter. For many, the best thing they can do is stay patient, trust the process, and focus on improving. The players who are willing to wait their turn, put in the work, and take advantage of their opportunities when they come are often the ones who find long-term success.
For any young football player looking to make it to the next level, Sampson’s message is clear: patience pays off. Instead of rushing to find instant gratification, trust in the process and put in the work. The best opportunities don’t always come right away, but for those who stay committed and keep improving, success will follow.
Sampson’s journey at Tennessee was not without its challenges, but by staying patient, learning from those ahead of him, and making the most of his opportunities, he set himself up for a bright future. Now, as he prepares for the next chapter in the NFL, he stands as a shining example of why perseverance, dedication, and hard work are just as important as talent in the game of football.
