Tag: Omarion Hampton

Two UNC football players earn AP All-American honors

Two UNC football players earn AP All-American honors.

The 2024 college football season didn’t go as planned for the North Carolina Tar Heels. They hit a big roadblock early, and then after winning some games to get bowl-eligible, they closed out their schedule with two tough losses to Boston College and NC State.

But there were some bright spots for the Tar Heels in this season. And both were on the offense.

On Monday, offensive lineman Willie Lampkin and running back Omarion Hampton were named to the Associated Press All-American team. They are the lone two UNC players to be named to the team this season.

Lampkin earned first-team honors for his play this season at guard, being North Carolina’s top offensive lineman. Hampton earned second-team honors after another huge year including rushing for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns on the year.

Hampton declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, ending his career at UNC after three season. He racked up the awards in his career and will finish with some national honors.

For Lampkin, he transferred to North Carolina after playing at Coastal Carolina and recently won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy earlier this month.

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Raiders land top QB, 2nd RB in latest PFF 3-round mock draft

The latest PFF mock draft goes three rounds with the Raiders snagging top QB Shedeur Sanders as well as the second RB in Omarion Hampton.

With the Raiders continuing their free fall this season, they appear like a sure bet for one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. With still six games left in the 2024 NFL season, PFF has already put out a three-round NFL mock draft with the Raiders (finally) addressing their need at QB as well as adding talent at a couple other positions as well.

2. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: QB SHEDEUR SANDERS, COLORADO

Though quarterback Aidan O’Connell managed to get the Raiders in range for an upset in Kansas City this week, all indications point toward the team selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders stands out as the most pro-ready quarterback in this class, earning high passing grades in each of the last two seasons and excelling under pressure with one of the highest passing grades in those situations — though he does tend to take a lot of sacks. While his arm strength might not be elite, Sanders is a polished passer the Raiders can put their faith in.

34. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: RB OMARION HAMPTON, NORTH CAROLINA

Hampton is the second running back off the board in this mock draft behind only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty selected at 13 overall by the Cowboys.

66. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: S/CB SEBASTIAN CASTRO, IOWA

PFF seems to have forgotten the Raiders own the Jets’ third round pick. They have the Jets picking at 70 overall in the third round, which means the Raiders would have two picks atop that round and at least four picks in the first three rounds.

Omarion Hampton now just one of three finalists for prestigious award

Is Omarion Hampton the frontrunner for college football’s top running back award?

Ever since overtaking British Brooks on the depth chart in 2023, North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton has done nothing but turn heads.

Hampton rushed for 234 yards against App State in a 40-34, double-overtime victory during Week 2 of the 2023 college football season. Now in November 2024, Hampton is thriving in his junior season: third amongst all FBS rushers with 1,475 yards, 14 touchdowns to lead the ACC and nine 100-yard games, including a pair of 200-yard outtings.

Hampton is one of the best running backs in college football – and he was recently recognized for that.

On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Hampton was named one of just three finalists for the Doak Walker Award – along with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Iowa‘s Kaleb Johnson.

The Doak Walker Award is annually given to the nation’s best running back, a title Jeanty and Johnson can also make their cases for. Jeanty leads the FBS with 2,062 rushing yards and SHOULD be the Heisman Trophy winner, while Johnson has 21 rushing touchdowns and 1,492 rushing yards, which puts him second behind Jeanty and just above Hampton.

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Hampton climbed the UNC record books after his career-high, 244-yard performance against Wake Forest.

Hampton scored his 35th career touchdown against the Demon Deacons, moving into a tie with Marquise Williams for third all-time. Hampton also surpassed Kelvin Bryant for fifth-place on North Carolina’s career rushing yardage list, plus he is one of just three Tar Heels (Amos Lawrence, Mike Voight) with multiple 200-yard games.

I’d love to see Hampton win the Doak Walker Award, but it’s hard not to recognize Jeanty as the winner. Given that Hampton and Jeanty are both juniors, expect to see them face off in the NFL next fall.

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UNC star Omarion Hampton one of just 10 Semifinalists for prestigious Running Back Award

The Seminfinalist List for one of college’s football top awards includes a player UNC football fans are extremely familiar with.

Every time you turn on a UNC football game, chances are you see Omarion Hampton with the opposing defense behind him.

Hampton, the Tar Heels’ star junior running back, continues to prove himself as a household name in college football. Just last Saturday in North Carolina’s bowl-clinching win over Wake Forest, Hampton scored his 14th touchdown of 2024, plus set career highs of 35 carries and 244 yards.

Hampton now owns the UNC record with eight-consecutive 100-yard games, plus he is now tied with Marquise Williams for third-all time in UNC rushing touchdowns. Hampton now has 3,327 rushing yards for his Tar Heel career, putting him Top-5 in program history.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Hampton was selected as one of 10 semifinalists for the Doak Walker Award. This prestigious award is given annually to college football’s top running back.

Hampton is joined on the list by Heisman Trophy frontrunner Ashton Jeanty, SMU’s Brashard Smith, Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, Tulane’s Makhi Hughes, UCF’s RJ Harvey, Kansas State’s DJ Giddens and Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks.

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With North Carolina shifting to a run-first offense this season, Hampton is thriving as his team’s primary offensive creator. Hampton leads the ACC in rushing yardage and has 100 yards in almost ever UNC game, with the lone exception being a 38-20 victory over Charlotte, when he missed the second half due to a minor injury.

I’d be shocked if Hampton doesn’t depart for the NFL after the type of season he’s enjoying. Sure, Hampton has another year of eligibility, but his draft stock is so high and he’s already proven himself as a Tar Heel.

North Carolina still has three more games to play in its current season, so there’s plenty more time to watch Hampton continue destroying defenses.

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Omarion Hampton’s record-breaking game against Wake earns him weekly ACC honors

UNC star running back Omarion Hampton picked up ACC Weekly Honors for the third time this season.

At this point in the college football season, are you surprised at the type of year UNC junior running back Omarion Hampton is experiencing?

In North Carolina’s 31-24 victory over Wake Forest on Saturday, Hampton rushed for a career-high 244 yards on a career-high 35 carries. Hampton also added what would be the game-winning touchdown, channeling his inner Saquon Barkley on a 6-yard, hurdle-and-score with just over two minutes remaining.

Hampton led all FBS rushers with his Week 12 output – and climbed up the Tar Heel record books. Hampton moved into a third-place tie with Marquise Williams (2011-2015) for his 35th rushing touchdown, plus he now owns the program record for consecutive 100-yard games (eight).

After reading all this, it should come as no surprise that Hampton was named ACC Running Back of the Week. This was Hampton’s third time earning the honor – and seventh time overall in his career.

Sitting outside of the Top 5 FBS rushing yardage leaders before the Wake Forest game, Hampton climbed to second with 1,422 rushing yards in 2024. The one man he trails is Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, the should-be Heisman Trophy winner, who currently has 1,893 yards and has the Broncos in the thick of CFP contention.

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Hampton could very well pass 2,000 yards if he continues at his current pace, though he’d have to average 193 rushing yards over UNC’s final three games.

North Carolina ships up to Boston College on Saturday, Nov. 23, hosts NC State for its regular-season finale on Nov. 30, then will play in a bowl game for the sixth-consecutive season – at a date TBD.

There’s no question Hampton is one of the best running backs in Tar Heel history. Is he THE best running back?

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Omarion Hampton sets new career-high in win over Wake Forest

Saturday night cemented why Omarion Hampton is one of the best players in UNC football history.

I’m running out of ways to write about how talented of a running back UNC’s Omarion Hampton is.

On Saturday night in a closer-than-expected 31-24 victory over Wake Forest, Hampton ran for 244 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries (7 YPC). Hampton set a new career-high with his yardage output, breaking his previous best of 234, set in North Carolina’s 40-34 overtime victory against App State in 2023.

“It’s as good as any,” Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown said, when asked about where Hampton’s career game ranks amongst running backs he’s coached. “I mean, 249 yards is just absolutely unbelievable. I was on a radio show before the season started and somebody said, “where does he rank in the great backs you’ve coached?” And I said he’s in the middle of it. He really is. And there’s some great ones. Everybody in the country would want Omarion Hampton on their team, he’s gonna be a great pro player.”

Not only did Big O set his new career high, but Saturday was Hampton’s eighth-straight game with 100 yards, a new Tar Heels record.

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Hampton is now tied with former UNC quarterback Marquise Williams at 35 rushing touchdowns, which is third all-time. Hampton now has 3,327 career rushing yards, climbing North Carolina legends Don McCauley and Kelvin Bryant on Saturday night.

“It’s so real of a feeling, just knowing that making history here, always growing up a fan, being here and everything like that,” Hampton said on climbing up the all-time list. “It’s so real of a feeling.”

On a night where Jacolby Criswell and his receivers struggled to get the passing game clicking, Hampton’s output was much-needed.

“We just knew we had to make something work because we were just staying on each other, just going to the sidelines knowing we have to make something happen, knowing that whatever it is we’ve gotta make it work,” Hampton said. “I feel like (offensive coordinator) Chip Lindsey did a good job play-calling and everything, to help us set up different runs and everything for the defense. I feel like it just all planned out well.”

To cap off his legendary night, Hampton scored the Tar Heels’ final touchdown. Hampton channeled Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley, one of his favorite pros to watch, on his hurdle-and-score touchdown.

“Yeah he’s definitely crazy,” Hampton said about Saquon. “I’ve always been a fan of Saquon, just his run style and everything like that. Always watched film on him and everything like that. He’s definitely a super-talented guy.”

UNC is extremely lucky to have a back of Hampton’s caliber. His next chance to break even more records comes on Saturday, Nov. 23 in a 12 p.m. kickoff at Boston College.

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Omarion Hampton’s big night, second-half defense helps UNC beat Wake Forest and extend bowl streak

Omarion Hampton enjoyed the game of his life Saturday. UNC’s defense held off Wake Forest late, helping the Tar Heels to a huge win that extend their bowl streak.

If the North Carolina Tar Heels didn’t have Omarion Hampton on Saturday night against Wake Forest, I think tonight’s outcome would look a lot different.

If UNC’s defense didn’t step up in the fourth quarter – albeit an almost collapse – I think we could be saying the same thing.

Thanks to Big O and a resurgent defensive unit, North Carolina beat Wake Forest, 31-17, for its third-consecutive victory and to make a bowl game for the sixth-straight year.

Hampton set multiple career highs – and rewrote the Tar Heel record books – in the best game of his collegiate career Saturday night.

Hampton carried the football a career-high 33 times and set a new career-high with 244 rushing yards, in addition to scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown that extended UNC’s lead to two possessions. He’s now fifth in career rushing yards (3,327), passing Don McCauley and Kelvin Bryant on the night. Hampton’s 35 rushing touchdowns also tie him with former North Carolina quarterback Marquise Williams for third all-time.

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While Hampton stole the headlines, North Carolina’s defense also played a big role.

The Tar Heels allowed a Wake Forest touchdown with under two minutes remaining in the final quarter, but kept Wake scoreless for nearly 20 minutes – after allowing 14 third-quarter points. UNC’s lockdown defense spanned five drives, in which Wake only gained 27 yards on 15 plays.

North Carolina looked lost at one point this season, losing four-straight games and reverting to its old defensive tendencies.

Now, thanks to the best running back in the country and a resurgent defense. the Tar Heels are bowl eligible for a sixth-straight year and one of the ACC’s hottest teams.

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UNC star Omarion Hampton one of just 16 nominated for prestigious POTY Award

Omarion Hampton is one of the best players in college football. You’ll want to see which award list he recently landed on.

It’s no secret that Omarion Hampton is the centerpiece of the UNC football team’s offensive attack, particularly since it shifted to a run-first attack with Drake Maye’s NFL departure.

Hampton, the in-state junior from Clayton, is currently enjoying his second-consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. Hampton is riding a 7-game streak of 100-yard rushing attacks, including his second-career 200-yard performance against NC Central.

With how dominant of a back Hampton is, it shouldn’t surprise you that he’s in-line for yet another award.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hampton was named one of 16 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award. According to its official website, the Maxwell Award is annually “presented to the Outstanding Collegiate Player of the Year.

You’ll probably recognize several other names on the Maxwell Award Semifinalist list: Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, FBS rushing yardage leader Ashton Jeanty, Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, Colorado stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter, Miami (FL) Heisman Trophy contender Cam Ward, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson, Texas QB Quinn Ewers, Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia, Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke, Army QB Bryson Daly and Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo.

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Since taking over the starting role from British Brooks early in North Carolina’s 2023 campaign, Hampton has done nothing but showcase why he’s one of the country’s top backs. Hampton’s fresh off easily his best game in a Tar Heel uniform, in which he totaled 263 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns.

Hampton has 3,083 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns in his UNC career. He continues climbing up North Carolina’s all-time yardage leaderboard – and will go down as arguably the program’s best back of the 21st century.

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Which UNC running back will redshirt remainder of 2024 season?

What is running back Caleb Hood’s future with the UNC football program?

The North Carolina Tar Heels have a thing for developing star running backs. Some might even call UNC “Running Back U” – all you have to do is look at the extensive list of 1,000-yard rushers.

Over the past two seasons, Omarion Hampton is the star in question. He’s continuing to climb up North Carolina’s record books – and is in the midst of his second-consecutive 1,000-yard campaign.

Because of Hampton’s immense talent, it’s difficult for other Tar Heel running backs to find playing time.

Such is the case in particular for Caleb Hood, the in-state senior from Rockingham, who UNC head coach Mack Brown said plans to redshirt the remainder of 2024.

Hood, initially recruited as a quarterback out of Richmond High School, only has 391 rushing yards through three-and-a-half seasons. Hood found limited success as a 4-game starter in 2022: 250 rushing yards, 119 receiving yards and one touchdown, but an injury shortened his season.

In just three games this year, Hood has one rushing yards and 29 receiving yards. Hampton is undoubtedly the clear top back, but the emergence of freshman Davion Gause has also pushed Hood down the depth chart. USC transfer Darwin Barlow is also in the mix, but like Hood, he’s finding a tough path to playing time.

I truly hope Hood decides to stay at North Carolina for the 2025 college football season, as the team will certainly need him. Hampton is likely heading to the NFL, while Barlow exhausts his eligibility, leaving Gause as the only other back with extensive game experience.

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Omarion Hampton and Beau Atkinson earn well-deserved ACC Weekly Honors

North Carolina dominated Florida State across the board in ACC football action on Saturday afternoon. Omarion Hampton and Beau Atkinson were the Tar Heels’ greatest factors.

All of a sudden, the North Carolina Tar Heels look like a competent ACC football program.

On Saturday, UNC dominated Florida State, a preseason CFP contender, 35-11 in a game which was decided in the second quarter. North Carolina’s defense played a massive role in the outcome, but it was star running back Omarion Hampton who nearly single-handedly gave his team a victory.

The Tar Heels generated seven sacks, led by 3.5 from reserve lineman Beau Atkinson. UNC held the Seminoles to under 100 yards in the first half, then 201 throughout the whole game.

Hampton scored a career-high five touchdowns: four on the ground, then a 49-yard score on a shovel pass from Jacolby Criswell.

For their impacts on Saturday’s game, it’s no surprise that Atkinson and Hampton were named ACC Players of the Week. The ACC tabbed Atkinson Defensive Lineman of the Week, plus it named Hampton Running Back of the Week.

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Hampton continues to showcase he’s one of the best running backs in program history, generating 265 scrimmage yards to go along with his five touchdowns. Hampton currently sits at 1,178 rushing yards, his second-consecutive season with over 1,000 yards, plus he continues to climb the program’s all-time rushing yards list.

Atkinson, who isn’t listed as a starter on North Carolina’s depth chart, is quickly proving why he’ll be a key piece of the future. Atkinson has 5.5 sacks in his past two games, 6.5 this season and has nearly doubled his 2023 total.

The Tar Heels have a bye this coming weekend, then make their long-awaited return home to host Wake Forest on Nov. 15. If Hampton and Atkinson have big games, UNC will finally reach bowl eligibility.

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