Omarion Hampton named Doak Walker Award finalist

Omarion Hampton became the first UNC player to be named a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, awarded to the nation’s top running back.

It was a tough season for the UNC football program, starting 6-0 before finishing 2-4 in the final stretch. Despite the dark cloud over the program, there has been a light throughout the year, with Sophomore running back [autotag]Omarion Hampton[/autotag] having a breakout season.

Hampton has been in many conversations this season as one of the best running backs in the nation, adding his name to the watch list. His work hasn’t gone unnoticed, being named a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.

The Doak Walker Award is awarded to the nation’s top running back, an honor dating back to 1990. The three finalists for this honor include Hampton, Oklahoma’s Ollie Gordon II, and Missouri’s Cody Schrader.

Hampton this season has 1,442 rushing yards on 234 carries and 15 touchdowns. His monstrous runs have been highlighted all season, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt. Hampton became the first Tar Heel in history to be named a finalist for this award.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.