Dylan Sampson's comments ahead of Citrus Bowl should be a message to every young college player

After nearly two years of waiting, Tennessee Vols running back Dylan Sampson is finally RB1 on Rocky Top. 

Sampson will serve as the Vols' primary running back in the Citrus Bowl against Iowa on New Year's Day and he'll continue in that role next season with Jaylen Wright off to the NFL and Jabari Small looking like he'll finish his college career elsewhere. 

Tennessee fans knew almost instantly once he arrived at UT that Sampson possessed elite talent. But he continued to wait his turn behind Wright and Small. That meant in some games, Sampson didn't even receive a carry (like Tennessee's loss to Florida in 2023). 

But instead of hitting the transfer portal, Sampson waited his turn. And now he's set to star in a featured role for the Vols. 

Sampson was asked on Thursday in Orlando if it was tough to wait his turn behind Wright and Small. 

"I mean, it wasn't hard because once I made peace with it, you know, we all got the same goal, we all push to help each other," said Sampson. "I mean, I can't look at it as hard. It was just, you know, it only helped me get better. And it all helped us be our best. So I accepted that and I'm in the position (RB1) I am right now." 

It seems far too often that young players hit the portal in search of playing time instead of just continuing to put in the work and wait their turn. 

Sometimes, a change is necessary. But often-times, patience would be a better choice. 

Sampson is proof of that. And his decision to stick around in Knoxville despite not starting his first two years at UT is set to pay major dividends next season.