‘I Can Fill His Shoes Well’ Says Vols’ New Running Back Of Dylan Sampson

Image: USA Today

By Cody McClure

Star Thomas is a Vol.

Tennessee landed the transfer running back from Duke over the weekend to help fill a void left by Dylan Sampson’s departure.

Thomas was Duke’s leading rusher this past season. He’s rushed for more than 500 yards each of the past three seasons. In 2024 he rushed for 871 yards and seven touchdowns.

In addition to losing Sampson, Tennessee needed to replace transfers Cam Seldon and Khalifa Keith. Depth was running thin.

"This is what I've been dreaming of since (I was) a kid, especially being from where I'm from," Thomas told 247Sports. "Many people don't get this opportunity, and I'm looking to, like, put on for my city and show that there's more to life than just home in Louisiana, and show them that there's more to life …

"SEC, that's something I dreamed about. But I know me being here is going to get me to the NFL."

Thomas also noted how “down to Earth” Tennessee’s coaches are and said their honesty with him were a big reason for his decision to come to Knoxville.

"I just feel like, with Dylan leaving this year, I feel like I can step in and be something great. Me and the other couple backs, we'll step in and I can be, like, not a role model, but I could be someone that the guys can learn from, from me being in the game so long, and really be like a mentor to them and really show them what it takes to get through college and be what it is."

Sounds like this guy has the potential to be a leader on the team. Hopefully he meshes well in the locker room.

"I feel like I'll mesh good with the guys," Thomas said. "I'm ready to get back here and start and build something special with the guys."

Thomas added he believes he’ll be able to fill Sampson’s shoes well.

"I mean, we're Louisiana boys. We're dogs. I mean, we'll adapt to anything that's thrown at us."