One of the Vols' most important players officially announced his return to Tennessee

There was never any doubt that Sampson was returning for the 2024 season, but his official announcement, which is common in the new world of year-to-year NIL deals, confirms that he'll be Tennessee's top running back next fall. 

Sampson has already stepped up as a key team leader for Tennessee this offseason with running backs Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small off to the NFL. 

Immediately after the Vols' win against Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, Sampson challenged his teammates to "get to work". 

"But that's what this work [is for] going into next season, so we make sure we're playing at this time next year," said Sampson after the win against Iowa. "That's the goal -- to be playing at this time next year and going into another game. As soon as we finished this game, I told everybody that it's time to go to work. Everybody's ready to go to work. It's time to jump off the grid and show up in 2024 ready to dominate."

Sampson rushed for 604 yards and seven touchdowns last season (along with 175 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown) while serving as Tennessee's No. 3 running back. 

The Louisiana native is primed for a breakout season in 2024 as he steps into the lead back role for the Volunteers.