The University of Tennessee Volunteers football program has experienced a resurgence under head coach Josh Heupel, and two key players have been instrumental in this progress: center Cooper Mays and running back Dylan Sampson. Both players recently earned multiple All-America honors, showcasing their individual talents and the strength of the Volunteers’ program. Their recognition reflects not only their personal achievements but also the upward trajectory of Tennessee football as a whole.
Cooper Mays: The Heart of Tennessee’s Offensive Line
Cooper Mays, a redshirt junior center, has been one of the most consistent and dominant players on Tennessee’s offensive line since stepping onto campus. His recent recognition with multiple All-America honors is a testament to his growth and impact on the field. Mays’ ability to anchor the offensive line and create a stable pocket for quarterbacks, while also opening up running lanes for Tennessee’s playmakers, has been a critical component of the team’s success in recent years.
Mays’ journey to becoming an All-American began long before the 2023 season. A highly touted recruit out of Knoxville, Tennessee, he entered the program with high expectations. After a solid freshman season, Mays quickly became a mainstay in the starting lineup, earning a reputation as one of the best centers in the SEC. His experience, combined with his athleticism, intelligence, and leadership, made him an ideal fit for Tennessee’s fast-paced, high-scoring offense.
What sets Mays apart from other centers in the country is his versatility and ability to adapt to various schemes. He has displayed impressive strength and balance in both run-blocking and pass protection, two essential components of Tennessee’s offensive line play. Mays is often tasked with making calls at the line of scrimmage, helping the offense adjust to defensive fronts and ensuring the proper blocking schemes are in place. This level of responsibility is not only a testament to his football IQ but also to the trust placed in him by Tennessee’s coaching staff.
Mays’ impact extends beyond his physical play. He is known for his leadership both on and off the field, mentoring younger offensive linemen and helping to foster a strong, cohesive unit. His recognition as an All-American is well-deserved and reflects the importance of having a player of his caliber in the middle of Tennessee’s offensive line.
For the Volunteers, having a player like Mays anchoring the line is invaluable. He allows Tennessee’s offensive playmakers, including the quarterbacks and running backs, to thrive within Heupel’s fast-paced system. As Tennessee continues to build its program and contend with some of the best teams in the SEC, Mays will undoubtedly remain a key player on the offensive line for years to come.
Dylan Sampson: A Rising Star in Tennessee’s Backfield
While Cooper Mays has earned recognition as one of the nation’s top centers, running back Dylan Sampson has emerged as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in Tennessee’s backfield. Sampson’s All-America honors are a testament to his explosive playmaking ability and his role in Tennessee’s high-octane offense.
Sampson’s journey to stardom has been marked by his explosive speed, quickness, and vision. A former four-star recruit from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sampson arrived at Tennessee with a reputation as one of the most electric running backs in his recruiting class. Despite facing competition for playing time in a crowded running back room, Sampson quickly established himself as a home-run hitter, capable of breaking off long runs and providing Tennessee with a consistent threat in the backfield.
One of Sampson’s defining characteristics is his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Whether it’s a sharp cut or a quick burst of speed, Sampson has shown the ability to take advantage of holes in the defense and turn small gains into big plays. His ability to find the end zone from any part of the field makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses, and his playmaking ability has become a cornerstone of Tennessee’s offense.
Sampson’s versatility also allows him to be a threat in both the running game and the passing game. As Tennessee’s offense continues to evolve under Heupel, Sampson has become an even more valuable asset as a receiving option out of the backfield. His ability to catch passes and make plays in space adds another layer to Tennessee’s offensive attack, which is already one of the most explosive in the nation.
In 2023, Sampson’s performances in big games solidified his status as one of the top running backs in the country. His ability to step up in crucial moments—whether it be turning a short gain into a long touchdown or catching a key pass in the flat—has been critical to Tennessee’s success. Sampson’s All-America recognition is a reflection of his ability to perform on the biggest stage, and it further elevates his reputation as one of the most exciting running backs in college football.
Sampson’s recognition as an All-American is a significant achievement for both him and Tennessee football. It highlights the continued development of the program and serves as a reminder of the talent that is being cultivated in Knoxville. With Sampson in the backfield, Tennessee’s offense remains one of the most dangerous in the country, and his success will be a key factor in the Volunteers’ future success.
The Impact on Tennessee’s Program
The recognition of Cooper Mays and Dylan Sampson with multiple All-America honors is a sign of the growth and potential of Tennessee football under Josh Heupel. Mays and Sampson are two players who embody the strengths of Heupel’s program: leadership, playmaking ability, and a commitment to excellence. Their success is indicative of the broader progress Tennessee has made in recruiting, player development, and program culture.
Mays and Sampson’s individual accolades also help elevate the profile of Tennessee football on the national stage. As the Volunteers continue to contend in the competitive SEC, having multiple All-Americans on the roster sends a clear message to recruits and fans alike: Tennessee is a program that can develop talent and compete with the best in the country. The success of these two players also serves as an example for younger players within the program, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to individual recognition and team success.
Furthermore, the All-America honors earned by Mays and Sampson are important for the future of Tennessee football. They help strengthen the program’s recruiting efforts, as top high school recruits will take notice of Tennessee’s ability to develop All-American caliber talent. This continued success in developing players at key positions—offensive line and running back—will be crucial for the Volunteers as they look to build a championship-caliber roster.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tennessee Football
The recognition of Cooper Mays and Dylan Sampson as multiple All-Americans is a testament to the foundation that Josh Heupel and his coaching staff have built at Tennessee. With a potent offense, dynamic playmakers, and a strong leadership core, the Volunteers are poised to compete for SEC and national championships in the years to come. Mays and Sampson are cornerstones of this effort, and their success will be pivotal as Tennessee continues to rise as a college football powerhouse.
For Mays, the future is bright as he continues to develop as one of the best centers in the country. His leadership and experience will be crucial for Tennessee’s offensive line as the team looks to build on its success.
For Sampson, the sky is the limit. With his explosive speed and versatility, he has the potential to become one of the top running backs in the country and a future NFL prospect.
Together, Mays and Sampson represent the continued growth of Tennessee football. As both players continue to make their mark on the college football landscape, Tennessee fans can look forward to more success and a bright future for the program.