Tennessee coach De’Rail Sims has pinpointed the reason behind star running back Dylan Sampson’s persistent fumbling problems. According to Sims, Sampson’s desire to gain extra yardage, even when unnecessary, is the primary culprit.
Sampson’s mentality of fighting for every inch has been ingrained in him since high school. While this trait has contributed to his impressive stats – 20 touchdowns and over 1,200 total yards this season – it’s also led to crucial fumbles. Sims acknowledges that changing this habit won’t be easy.
Despite the fumbling issues, Tennessee’s coaching staff remains confident in Sampson’s abilities. Head coach Josh Heupel praised Sampson’s reliability, durability, and elite competitiveness. “Dylan’s been tremendous for us,” Heupel said. “We need to work on ball security, but he’s still our guy.”
Sampson’s determination to gain extra yards stems from Tennessee’s “pad plus two” philosophy, which encourages players to fight for additional yardage. However, this approach must be balanced with ball security. Sims emphasized that understanding when to stop fighting for yards is crucial.
When asked about playing through an ankle injury against Mississippi State, Sampson showed his commitment to the team. “This is what I signed up for when I came out of high school… If you can go, be honest with your coaches and be honest with yourself,” he said. This mindset is admirable, but it also highlights the challenge of adjusting his playing style.
Tennessee’s coaches will work closely with Sampson to address the fumbling issue. They’ll focus on drills emphasizing ball security and situational awareness. Sims noted that it’s essential for Sampson to recognize when to protect the ball rather than fight for extra yards.
The Volunteers face Georgia next, a game that will put Sampson’s progress to the test. A win would bolster Tennessee’s College Football Playoff chances, but a loss could prove costly. Sampson’s ability to balance aggression with ball security will be crucial.
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