Omarion Hampton’s strong season earns his spot on All-American list

Before the college football season started, UNC’s plan was to roll with British Brooks as its starting running back.

Brooks missed all of the 2022 campaign with a knee ligament tear, making his return to game action that much more anticipated. He would be joining a talented running back room that included Elijah Green, Caleb Hood and Omarion Hampton, among others.

After a 100-yard performance in the Tar Heels’ season-opening win against South Carolina, however, Brooks saw his playing time dwindle. He ended the regular season with 329 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but a star emerged for UNC in the backfield – Hampton.

We knew Hampton had something special after the double-overtime win against App State, when he rushed for three touchdowns and a career-high 234 yards. Week 2 was just the first of seven 100-yard outings for the sophomore back out of Clayton, N.C., who currently sits fifth in the entire FBS with 1,442 rushing yards.

Hampton’s year him several honors, with the latest being a Walter Camp First Team All-American.

Before the UNC-N.C. State game over Thanksgiving weekend, Hampton was tied with Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II atop the FBS leaderboard in rushing yards. The Wolfpack, led defensively by First Team All-American Payton Wilson, held Hampton to just 28 rushing yards on nine carries. This low output was also likely a result of UNC falling behind big early.

In addition to being named a Walter Camp First Team All-American, Hampton became Carolina’s first running back since 2021 to reach 1,000 rushing yards. His 1,442 rushing yards this year place him third in UNC single-season history, with him needing just 22 more to pass Elijah Hood for second.

If Hampton somehow racks up 279 rushing yards in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against West Virginia on Wednesday, Dec. 27, he’ll be Carolina’s all-time, single-season record holder.

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Story originally appeared on Tarheels Wire