An academic focus has created college options for this Savannah-area football standout
Jaylen Hampton of New Hampstead has emerged as one of the top receiver recruits in the Coastal Empire with a multitude of offers as he enters his senior year playing for the Phoenix.
With his mother constantly pushing him to stay focused in the classroom, Hampton has also excelled academically — maintaining a 3.8 GPA. And that attention to detail is reflected in his offer sheet which includes Ivy League Schools like Princeton, Penn and Dartmouth. App State and Georgia Southern have also offered the 6-foot-2, 190-pounder.
"Academics always comes first because no one can take your education away from you," said Hampton's mother, Natachsa Hampton-Cave, a former student athlete at Windsor Forest who is now an assistant principal at Mercer Middle School. "If you're on top with your academics — the sky is the limit. You might get hurt playing football, but if you have that intelligence you can still do what you want to do and be in position to get an academic scholarship."
Hampton had a breakthrough season on the field last year for the Phoenix with 48 catches for 712 yards and 10 touchdowns.
"I think my strengths as a receiver are being a good route runner, finding open space and getting yards after the catch," Hampton said. "I'm strong and I have good hands. My mom stays on top of me with the academics and I know without that, I can't go anywhere."
Hampton had a strong connection with former New Hampstead quarterback Pauly Seeley, who is now a freshman playing on scholarship at Wofford College, a school that is also on Hampton's offer list.
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"I learned a lot playing with Pauly — we're very close friends," Hampton said. "He took me on a college visit to Western Kentucky and helped me learn about recruiting."
Last year the Phoenix went 6-5, with several close losses — including a pair of overtime setbacks. New Hampstead lost on the road to Troup County 36-29 in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs.
New Hampstead's Rashawn Truell is set to replace Seeley behind center, and Hampton said the junior is ready to take on the role.
"Rashawn is going to put up some numbers and be a breakout player," Hampton said.
Hampton and classmate Malachi Lonnon, who had 27 catches for 527 yards and 11 scores last season form an excellent receiving tandem for Truell to work with.
"I think we can be the best duo in Savannah," Hampton said. "Our goal as a team this season is to start strong, and finish strong. We don't want any overtime losses and we want to get past the first round of the playoffs. If we keep our heads down and keep doing what we're doing — we'll be a good team."
New Hampstead coach Kyle Hockman said he has been impressed with Hampton's development as a player and a person.
"When you meet Jaylen, he is so engaging without being overbearing," Hockman said. "As a receiver, he's physical and can go up and get those 50/50 balls and then get upfield. He's a solid person and is very focused in the classroom too. His mom has kept him on track and he has a really sharp family. I'm looking forward to coaching him this year — he has a bright future."
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Offers rolling in for New Hampstead football standout Jaylen Hampton
