KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson headlined the AP All-SEC selections and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press on Wednesday.
Defensive back Jermod McCoy joined Sampson on the All-SEC first team, while center Cooper Mays and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. were second-team honorees.
Sampson led the SEC and set Tennessee program records this season with 1,485 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. The junior's touchdown total ranks third in the nation overall.
McCoy has made a huge impact on defense for the Vols in his first year with the program. The Oregon State transfer is tied for second in the SEC with four interceptions. He has also recorded 39 total tackles and 13 passes defended through 12 games this season.
Pearce is widely considered to be a first-round NFL talent in the upcoming draft and was a unanimous preseason First-Team All-American. The junior edge rusher has tallied 35 total tackles this season and 7.5 sacks along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Mays also garnered numerous preseason First-Team All-America selections, and was named an All-SEC second team member by the AP in 2023. Mays is also a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, given to the top center in the nation.
