Omarion Hampton honored Thursday night with ceremony at his high school

Omarion Hampton is the centerpiece of UNC’s offense. He was also quite the high school player – and was honored on Thursday night.

Before Omarion Hampton started tearing up opposing defenses as the North Carolina Tar Heels’ star running back, he shined for four years at Cleveland High School.

Hampton compiled quite the high school career, rushing for 5,370 yards and 88 touchdowns at Cleveland. The Rams made the state playoffs in each of Hampton’s four seasons, but never won a state championship.

Now leading the UNC offense and heading into Saturday’s Victory Bell battle at Duke, Hampton has 2,460 career rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns.

On Thursday, Sept. 26, two nights before the Tar Heels and Blue Devils battle it out – and with Hurricane Helene looming large in the Carolinas – Hampton had his jersey retired at Cleveland High School.

Hampton chose North Carolina over 21 additional offers, including one from 2020 CFP National Champion LSU and another from 2024 Champion Michigan.

Despite Hampton’s high school prowess, he wasn’t always UNC’s starter. He backed up Elijah Green in 2022, then began last season as British Brooks’ backup.

When App State came to Kenan Stadium last year, everything changed. Hampton ran for 234 yards, scored three touchdowns and – most important – helped the Tar Heels to a 40-34 victory in double-overtime.

With no Drake Maye or Devontez Walker on the offense this year, UNC has shifted to a run-heavy offense. Hampton is rewarding North Carolina for that switch, as he currently sits third in the FBS with 555 rushing yards.

Just how much better can Hampton get before his name is called in the 2025 NFL Draft?

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