After a breakout season last year for UNC football with Drake Maye and company, Hampton is poised to be one of the best running backs in the nation this season. It has earned him a spot on numerous award watch lists as well as SN and ESPN preseason first-team All-American honors.
Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II was the other first-team All-American listed alongside Hampton. Tahj Brooks from Texas Tech and Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State were the two second-team members.
In his sophomore year last year, Hampton ran 253 times for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns including 29 receptions for 222 yards and another score.
UNC running back Omarion Hampton named to ESPN's preseason All-America team. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty made second team at all-purpose. On Hampton from #ACCKickoff: https://t.co/uuRAXtcgj9
— Brian Murphy (@murphsturph) August 14, 2024
According to ESPN’s Chris Low, “He led all FBS players with 1,072 yards after contact. Not only did Hampton average 5.9 yards per rush, but he also had five runs of 50 yards or longer.”
Hampton will look to not only be the lead back for the Tar Heels this year but the overall leader of the offensive side of the ball. It is not out of the question for Hampton to surpass those breakout numbers he had last season.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.