Dylan Sampson closes in on 95-year-old Tennessee record for TD rushing

Dylan Sampson is close to breaking one of the oldest records in Tennessee football history.

Through seven games, Sampson has already thrown for a staggering 17 touchdowns. When the Vols take the field again in Week 10 against Kentucky, he will need just 1 point to tie the program’s single-season TD rushing record, which was set nearly a century ago.

Back in 1929, Gene McEver scored 18 touchdowns and helped lead the Volunteers to an undefeated season under the legendary Bob Neyland. Nearly 95 years later, Sampson is poised to set and break that record.

Sampson is already on rare air. Sampson’s final touchdown made him the first Tennessee running back to score 17 on the ground in a single season since Reggie Cobb back in 1987. Tony Thompson is the only former UT player to even throw 15 rushing touchdowns in a single campaign. having accomplished the feat in 1990.

Sampson may have been Tennessee’s best player this season. In addition to his scoring streak, he is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. His 838 yards on the year are also good enough to lead all SEC players through 8 weeks.

Later this season, Sampson could very well break Tennessee’s career touchdown record. He currently has 30 in his career. McEver also holds the all-time record with 37. Sampson’s mark is the fourth in program history.

Sampson will have a chance to break the single-season record with a pair of goals on Nov. 2 against Kentucky.