Will SEC TD leader Dylan Sampson get the ball for Tennessee vs South Carolina? It’s not an easy answer

Tennessee football running backs coach Jerry Mack admits he faces a difficult multiple choice question every game.

Which Vols running back should get the ball? Jaylen Wright, Jabari Small or Dylan Sampson?

The answers have produced the SEC’s top rushing offense. But narrowing down which player matches the moment isn’t easy.

“I never know who’s going to have the big game,” Mack said.

Neither do the running backs.

“No, it’s supposed to be (a mindset of) be ready whenever your name is called,” Small said. “It’s usually a rotation, but you don’t know what could happen. It’s not for us to focus on.”

No. 19 Tennessee (3-1, 0-1 SEC) plays South Carolina (2-2, 1-1) on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network). And it’s unclear which running back will be featured, or if they’ll share the spotlight.

The question is especially relevant after Sampson, the sophomore upstart, ran for a career-high 139 yards and two touchdowns against UTSA after not playing against Florida.

Sampson leads the SEC in yards-per-carry (7.4) and is tied for first in rushing TDs (5). But he’s regarded as UT’s No. 3 running back.

“How (Sampson) fits in a role, it just depends on the package,” Mack said. “I think there’s always going to be a package or a certain situation that we want (Sampson) in the game for just because his skillset is a little bit different.

 “But going forward, I think you’re going to see quite a bit of Dylan Sampson, for sure.”

Why Sampson didn’t play in loss to Florida

UT leads the SEC at 229.5 rushing yards per game. All three running backs are ranked in the top 10 in the league in yards-per-game average.

But their different skillsets determine who’s in the lineup.

Wright, a junior, leads the team with 312 yards rushing. His combination of speed and power makes him perhaps the most complete back of the trio. He has started all four games.

Small, a senior, has rushed for 258 yards and one TD. He’s the most experienced with 38 games and 24 starts in his career. And coaches say he’s the best pass-blocker of the group.

Sampson has rushed for 199 yards and six total TDs, including one reception for a score. The 190-pounder is lighter than Wright and Small, but he’s dynamic in the open field.

“I don’t want to be tackled, not by the first person or second person,” Sampson said. “I want to score.”

Against Florida, the Vols fell behind early. Their possessions were short, so the rotation shrunk. And they had to pass the ball, so Small and Wright played more because they’re better pass protectors.

That squeezed out Sampson. But his performance against UTSA made a strong case to prioritize him, even if the circumstances don’t fit his skillset.

How running backs can help quarterback Joe Milton

Wright left the UTSA game with an undisclosed injury. UT hasn’t addressed his status, but Mack referred to Wright in the South Carolina game plan as if he’s available.

Small played through multiple injuries in past seasons. But he’s consistently played 25 to 27 snaps on offense in every game this season.

Sampson has served as a change-of-pace back or, as Mack calls him, a “space guy.” He doesn’t make sense on every down, but he can break a long run to turn a game.

“When he gets the ball in space, it’s hard to tackle him,” Mack said. “There’s always going to be a situation where you need a certain burst or pop that Sampson gives you in the game.”

Expect all three backs to play a role against South Carolina, especially if quarterback Joe Milton’s mobility is limited. He broke an 81-yard TD run on the first play from scrimmage against UTSA, but he didn’t attempt another rush after suffering a left knee injury.

“We need each other. I’m not out there thinking about myself,” Small said. “Whatever the plan is to get the (win), that what we’re going to do.”

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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