Tennessee’s running backs came through in a big way in the Vols’ 33-27 road win at Kentucky last Saturday.
Starter Jaylen Wright rushed for 120 yards on just 11 carries in the first three quarters, but he suffered an injury that prevented him from playing the final quarter.
It ultimately didn’t matter all that much, though, as sophomore Dylan Sampson was fantastic in the fourth quarter, accounting for 90 total yards and a touchdown.
On Sampson’s 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, he got a big-time assist from graduate transfer tight end McCallan Castles, who delivered one of the best blocks of the year for Tennessee.
SEC analyst Cole Cubelic, who is notorious for finding the best blocks across the SEC and posting them on social media, struck gold again by finding Castles’ tremendous block.
See Castles’ pancake on a Kentucky linebacker below.
Tennessee TE Castles McCallan…full send! pic.twitter.com/4XgPqhN6qq
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) October 31, 2023
The block from Castles and tough run from Sampson was crucial in the game, as Tennessee took a two-score lead with 7:30 remaining.
So far this season, Castles has been a nice addition for Tennessee coming over from UC Davis.
Castles has been Tennessee’s best tight end in the passing game and, as shown in Cubelic’s video, can deliver at any moment with a crucial block.
The California native has 11 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns on the season, leading all tight ends in every category except touchdowns.
