Former Vol Walk-On Poised For Expanded Role This Season

Image: Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

Replacing former SEC Player of the Year Dylan Sampson is obviously no small task, but the Vols may have found their answer in redshirt sophomore and former walk-on DeSean Bishop.

Bishop, who ranked third in the SEC in average yards per carry (6.15) in 2024, tallied 455 rushing yards and three touchdowns last season while backing up Sampson. 

The Knoxville native, a Karns High School product, was ranked as the No. 1308 overall prospect in the 2023 class and chose to walk-on at Tennessee despite offers from Memphis, Michigan State, and Virginia Tech before ultimately earning a scholarship earlier this spring. 

“I think he’s taken a step in terms of leadership,” said running backs coach De’Rail Sims during Tuesday’s media availability. “He’s been a dynamic guy in the room, in terms of holding guys accountable. If somebody’s not living up to the standard, he’s the first one to get on them.”

Sims' praise extended beyond Bishop’s leadership, he highlighted the redshirt sophomore’s growth in physicality and pass protection.

“From a physicality standpoint, an eye discipline standpoint, he’s done a really good job from that standpoint,” Sims stated. “Running the ball is natural to him… the pass protection piece of it, he’s grown tremendously in that and done a really good job this camp.”

That advancement could prove crucial as Bishop battles sophomore Virginia native Peyton Lewis and Duke transfer Star Thomas for the starting job. 

The Volunteers open their season Aug. 30 against Syracuse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.