His bio read as follows as a young high school player: Omarion Hampton is a thickly built running back known for his exceptional lower body strength and toughness, which allows him to consistently gain tough yards after contact. With a rare combination of fluidity and power, he possesses excellent cutting ability and suddenness, making him a formidable force on the field. His remarkable vision and patience enable him to find creases in defenses, while his open-field instincts and ability to absorb contact further enhance his effectiveness. Hampton excels in inside zone runs and downhill gap plays, showcasing his athletic skills as both a pass catcher and run blocker. He has enough speed to break off long runs and is recognized as a workhorse back capable of carrying the load for his team.
It was all true! Before college, Hampton was a highly regarded four-star prospect, ranked as the nation’s 148th-best player and the No. 12 running back by the 247Sports Composite. He was also recognized by Rivals as the 106th-best player nationally and the No. 8 running back. Throughout his high school career, he earned numerous accolades, including being named North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, The Charlotte Observer’s Mr. Football, and the Arnold R. Solomon Award winner for North Carolina Player of the Year. A two-time MaxPreps Player of the Year and all-state selection, he accumulated an impressive 5,370 rushing yards and 88 touchdowns, averaging 10.4 yards per carry and 127.8 yards per game. In addition to his football success, Hampton was also involved in basketball and track and field, showcasing his athletic versatility. Coached by Scott Riley, he left behind a remarkable legacy as he transitioned to the collegiate level at UNC Chapel Hill.
In the 2023 season, Omarion Hampton emerged as a special player, showcasing his talents as a dynamic running back. He played a crucial role in the Tar Heels’ offensive scheme, combining power and speed to consistently challenge opposing defenses.
In his sophomore season of 2023, Omarion Hampton had an outstanding year for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, appearing in all 13 games and starting 12. His remarkable performance earned him a spot as a Walter Camp first-team All-American and second-team All-American honors from various organizations, including the AFCA and AP. Hampton was also a finalist for the prestigious Doak Walker Award and received first-team All-ACC recognition.
He showcased his abilities with 253 carries for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 29 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown. His 1,504 rushing yards ranks second on UNC’s single-season list, while his 15 touchdowns place him sixth. Hampton rushed for over 100 yards in seven games, becoming the first Tar Heel to achieve this since Gio Bernard in 2011, and he recorded six consecutive 100-yard games, a feat last accomplished by Don McCauley in 1970.
Hampton finished fifth in the FBS for rushing yards and rushing yards per game (115.7) and led the ACC in rushing yards, attempts, and touchdowns. Notably, he earned ACC Running Back of the Week honors four times throughout the season. Key highlights included a 234-yard, three-touchdown game against App State and a 178-yard, two-touchdown performance at Clemson. He concluded the season with 62 yards against West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Hampton’s impressive statistics and accolades reflect his significant impact on the Tar Heels’ offense and position him as one of the top running backs in the nation.
Hampton’s vision, patience, and ability to break tackles were evident as he consistently picked up crucial yards after contact, contributing to the Tar Heels’ overall success. His performance throughout the season earned him recognition among the top running backs in the conference, solidifying his role as a leader on the team and setting high expectations for the future. As the season progressed, his combination of skill, athleticism, and determination positioned him as a player to watch moving forward into 2024 and beyond. He is absolutely one of the legends of “ground and pound” in UNC’s football legacy. His credentials set the stage. All he needs now is hard work and health! Let’s GO HEELS!
Walter Camp First-Team All-American (2023)
Second-Team AFCA All-American (2023)
Second-Team AP All-America (2023)
Second-Team Sporting News All-American (2023)
Second-Team Sports CBS Sports All-American (2023)
Doak Walker Award Finalist (2023)
First-Team All-ACC (2023)
AP First-Team All-ACC (2023)
