Oct 28, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs the ball against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Based on his on-field production alone, there are no concerns about Hampton failing to play at a high level again, or being the focal point of UNC’s offense.
Hampton rushed for at least 100 yards seven times last year, including a season-high 234 in a 40-34, 2-overtime win against App State in Week Two. Hampton’s best stretch started with a 197-yard, 1-touchdown outing in a 41-31 win over then-25th-ranked Miami (FL), which was the first of six consecutive 100-yard games.
One concern I do have about Hampton, though, is him being relied on TOO much for offensive production in 2024.
Star running backs, especially at a young age like Hampton, shouldn’t worry as much about overplaying. You saw how Ollie Gordon II lit up the field at Oklahoma State last year, or how Derrick Henry continued carrying the Tennessee Titans’ rushing attack.
North Carolina’s other two 100-yard rushers last season, Drake Maye and British Brooks, are now both in the NFL. Fourth on that list is quarterback Conner Harrell, who is currently fighting for the starting quarterback job with former Texas A&M and LSU transfer Max Johnson.
Keep in mind, though, that Caleb Hood is just two years removed from a 200-yard campaign. The addition of Barlow should also greatly help Hampton, too, if he ever needs a rest.
Source link : https://tarheelswire.usatoday.com/lists/omarion-hampton-unc-best-running-back-college-football-preview/
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Publish date : 2024-07-05 08:10:00
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