There’s been a lot of great running backs to don a North Carolina Tar Heels uniform, such as Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, Gio Bernard and Michael Carter.
There’s another great running back currently in Chapel Hill: Omarion Hampton, the in-state junior who is all but a lock to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hampton can further cement himself as a UNC great this coming weekend against Pitt, only needing 18 rushing yards to become Top 10 in program history.
Hampton’s current season highlights why he is arguably the country’s top rusher. Despite North Carolina’s recent cold stretch, Hampton is third in the country – and tops in the ACC – with 658 rushing yards. Hampton has six touchdowns, with all coming in the past three weeks, plus four 100-yard rushing performances.
Tar Heel Nation gasped during the Charlotte game, learning that Hampton would not return after halftime, but that fear was short-lived. Hampton returned the following weekend against NC Central, recording his second career 200-yard game with 210 rushing yards, while adding three touchdowns.
The climb continues for Omarion Hampton! 🏈🐏 pic.twitter.com/7QiVw6Kt3M
— Great Day Tar Heel (@GreatDayTarHeel) October 1, 2024
UNC knew Hampton was a star during his freshman season, when he was part of a revolving door at running back, but the country didn’t know about Hampton largely until 2023. Hampton obliterated opposing defenses last year, running for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns.
I’m not saying that North Carolina is Running Back U, but with Hampton joining a recent list of stars in Michael Carter, Javonte Williams and Ty Chandler, Running Back U would be a well-deserved nickname.
How far up the Tar Heels’ all-time rushing yards list will Hampton be when his collegiate career ends?
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