Hampton and Brooks give UNC one of country’s best rushing tandems

Most teams have one star running back. Luckily for UNC, they have two in the forms of Omarion Hampton and British Brooks.

In Week 1, all the talk about UNC football on offense surrounded British Brooks.

The Tar Heel native hadn’t played in a game since 2021, but ran for over 100 yards in UNC’s 31-17 win over South Carolina in the opener. He’s seceded touches since that victory, but for good reason.

In Week 2, all the talk about UNC football almost entirely surrounded Omarion Hampton, the sophomore running back from Clayton, N.C. He torched the App State defense for 234 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including an overtime score in the comeback, 40-34 Tar Heel triumph.

Hampton and Brooks have 523 rushing yards and eight touchdowns between them, giving them one of the country’s most potent rushing attacks.

Hampton was thrust into starting duty before the App State matchup, as Brooks would miss the game with yet another injury. He returned the following week against Minnesota, but it’s difficult to not start a guy coming off a historic rushing performance.

Hampton is tied with Duke running back Jordan Waters, New Mexico’s Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Marshall’s Rasheen Ali and UNLV’s Jai’Den Thomas for second nationally in rushing touchdowns. His rushing yardage total ranks second in the ACC behind Louisville’s Jahwar Jordan.

Brooks was the Heels’ starter ahead of the opener, but Hampton has now shot himself up the depth chart into that role. Opponents are going to have nightmares dealing with whichever running back takes the field.

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