Tennessee Players Announcing for the 2025 NFL Draft: Dylan Sampson and James Pearce Jr. Lead the Way
The University of Tennessee Volunteers football program has long been a cradle for NFL talent, producing some of the league’s brightest stars. From quarterbacks like Peyton Manning to defensive legends such as Reggie White, the Vols have consistently had players make an impact on the professional stage. The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be another exciting chapter in this tradition, as several key players from Tennessee have already declared for the draft. Among the most notable names are running back Dylan Sampson and defensive end James Pearce Jr., both of whom are poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.
As Tennessee’s 2024 season concluded, the excitement around these two players’ future prospects reached a fever pitch. Both Sampson and Pearce are considered among the top prospects in their respective positions, and their declarations for the 2025 NFL Draft set the stage for a tense and thrilling lead-up to draft day. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the careers of these two standout players, their journey to the NFL, and what to expect from them as they prepare to take the next step in their football careers.
Dylan Sampson: The Dual-Threat Running Back
Dylan Sampson’s journey to becoming one of the top running back prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft has been a captivating one. A dual-threat running back with the ability to contribute both on the ground and as a receiving option out of the backfield, Sampson has been one of Tennessee’s most dynamic players over the past few seasons.
Early Years and Development
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dylan Sampson made waves in high school with his explosive running style and versatility. As a high school athlete, Sampson showed the traits that would become his signature in college: speed, agility, and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His high school production and athleticism earned him a spot at the University of Tennessee, where he joined a backfield that would become one of the most potent in the SEC.
Sampson’s freshman season at Tennessee saw him contributing in a limited capacity behind a deep group of talented running backs, but his potential was evident. His ability to turn short runs into big gains and catch passes out of the backfield quickly made him a key part of Tennessee’s offensive scheme. By his sophomore year, Sampson had fully established himself as a game-changer.
Rise to Prominence at Tennessee
Throughout his time in Knoxville, Sampson’s skill set became more refined. He was able to showcase his explosive speed in open space and develop into one of the most complete running backs in the SEC. His vision and patience as a runner improved, and his ability to catch passes as a weapon out of the backfield provided an extra dimension to Tennessee’s high-powered offense.
In his junior year, Sampson truly emerged as one of the top running backs in college football. He was the focal point of Tennessee’s offensive attack, helping lead the Vols to several key victories. His combination of speed, power, and vision made him a difficult player to defend against, and his ability to break tackles and make defenders miss in the open field made him a major asset for the Tennessee offense. Sampson’s versatility was also a major factor in his draft stock, as he showed he could contribute in a variety of ways—whether as a ball carrier, a receiver, or a pass protector.
By the time the 2024 season came to a close, Sampson had proven himself to be one of the most complete running backs in college football. He had accumulated impressive yardage totals both on the ground and through the air, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Despite a crowded running back class for the 2025 NFL Draft, Sampson’s unique skill set and explosiveness made him an intriguing prospect.
What to Expect from Dylan Sampson in the NFL
Sampson’s future in the NFL is bright, thanks to his versatile skill set. As a running back, he has the ability to be a three-down player who can excel in both running and receiving situations. His vision and quick decision-making allow him to read defenses and make the right move at the right time, while his speed and ability to break away from defenders in the open field make him a dangerous weapon. His receiving skills out of the backfield give him an advantage in an era where passing from the running back position is becoming increasingly important.
Given his talent and versatility, Sampson is expected to be drafted early in the 2025 NFL Draft and should have the opportunity to contribute immediately. His ability to play in a variety of offensive schemes—whether it be as a workhorse back, a change-of-pace player, or a pass-catching threat out of the backfield—gives him a leg up in a competitive running back class. Sampson’s blend of size, speed, and agility makes him a unique prospect, and he could become a key player for any NFL team looking to bolster its backfield.
James Pearce Jr.: A Fearsome Force on the Edge
On the other side of the ball, Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to get to the quarterback, Pearce has established himself as one of the top edge rushers in the 2025 NFL Draft class. As a disruptive force along Tennessee’s defensive line, Pearce’s talent has made him a highly coveted prospect.
Early Years and Development
James Pearce Jr. hails from the state of North Carolina, where he became a standout on the football field during his high school career. Pearce was known for his athleticism, size, and ability to get after the quarterback, which helped him earn a scholarship to the University of Tennessee. Upon arriving in Knoxville, Pearce quickly became a key member of Tennessee’s defensive line rotation, showing glimpses of the pass-rushing ability that would define his college career.
Though he wasn’t immediately thrust into a starting role, Pearce’s raw talent and physical tools were evident from the start. His ability to beat offensive tackles off the edge and disrupt opposing quarterbacks made him a standout in the SEC. By his sophomore year, Pearce had earned a starting spot and continued to develop his skills under the tutelage of Tennessee’s defensive coaches.
Emergence as a Star Pass Rusher
By the time Pearce entered his junior year, he had become one of the top pass rushers in the conference. His first step off the line of scrimmage was nearly unmatched, and his ability to bend around the edge and collapse the pocket made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Pearce’s relentless pursuit of the quarterback, combined with his physicality against the run, made him one of the most complete edge defenders in the SEC.
Throughout the 2024 season, Pearce displayed his pass-rushing prowess on a weekly basis. Whether it was blowing past offensive tackles, shedding blockers, or timing his rush perfectly to sack the quarterback, Pearce was constantly in the backfield. His ability to disrupt plays and put pressure on the quarterback made him a key factor in Tennessee’s defensive success.
What to Expect from James Pearce Jr. in the NFL
James Pearce Jr.’s skill set is tailor-made for success at the next level. His combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a force off the edge, and his ability to get to the quarterback consistently will be highly valued in the NFL. Pearce’s explosive first step allows him to generate pressure early in the down, and his ability to finish plays and sack the quarterback will be a major asset for any NFL defense.
As a versatile edge rusher, Pearce is capable of lining up in multiple defensive schemes. Whether it’s as a 4-3 defensive end or as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 system, Pearce’s ability to rush the passer and impact the game will make him a coveted prospect. His skills in both pass-rushing and run defense give him the ability to be a three-down player, and he could become an immediate starter for an NFL team.
Pearce’s combination of athleticism, technique, and motor should make him a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Given the premium placed on pass rushers in the modern NFL, Pearce is a highly sought-after prospect who could make an immediate impact in the league.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a memorable one for Tennessee football, as players like Dylan Sampson and James Pearce Jr. declare for the event. Both players have the talent and potential to make a major impact at the next level, and their journey from Tennessee to the NFL will be one to watch. Sampson’s dual-threat running back skills and Pearce’s dominant pass-rushing ability are sure to make them two of the most exciting prospects in the draft. As the Vols continue to develop NFL talent, it’s clear that Tennessee’s football program remains a force to be reckoned with, and these two players are the latest examples of the talent that the university consistently produces. The future is bright for both Sampson and Pearce, and the 2025 NFL Draft will be their opportunity to shine on the biggest stage.
