Omarion Hampton Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of John McGloughlin/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

School: North Carolina

Class: Junior

Position: RB

HT: 6’0

WT: 220 lbs

Background: Omarion Hampton is a former 4-star running back in the class of 2022 out of Clayton, North Carolina. Hampton was a top 5 player in the state and a top 10 running back nationally. Hampton played for Cleveland High School and was also named North Carolina’s Gatorade Player of the Year. Hampton reached well over 2,000 yards as a sophomore for Cleveland on 9.6 ypc, including 35 touchdowns. He also had 1,948 yards and 39 touchdowns as a senior. Hampton was twice named both a first team all-state selection and conference player of the year. Alongside his success on the field, he was twice named a conference all-academic honoree.

College: Hampton appeared in every game for the Tar Heels as a freshman, including 4 starts. He ran for 401 yards and 6 touchdowns. Hampton broke onto the scene in 2023, rushing for 1,504 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hampton was named and All-American and First Team All-ACC member. Hampton ran for 1.660 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 on his way to an All-American bid and another First Team All-ACC selection.

Strengths: Omarion Hampton has elite contact balance. He is rarely brought down on initial contact and it usually takes multiple defenders to bring him down. Hampton is a physical runner who does not shy away from contact by lowering his shoulder and running through defenders. He has an angry demeanor to the way he runs, very violent. He is an effective north to south runner, rarely wasting time or space by running east to west. Hampton has a strong lower half, keeping his legs moving in muddy situations to push for extra yards. Hampton is a receiving threat out of the backfield. He is comfortable in the flats and in the screen game, but he is also comfortable being motioned out into the slot with a decently large route tree for a running back. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands in open space. While he can run through contact, he can also make defenders miss.

Weaknesses: Hampton’s struggles come when trying to find space on his own. He makes himself too big between the tackles, taking on tacklers rather than shedding them. He is an easy target because he does not make himself slippery in muddy waters. He does not have a large variety of moves as a ball carrier. Hampton is also an ineffective pass protector. He will not likely be a liability in 3rd and long situations.

Conclusion: Omarion Hampton is an explosive runner who carries an element of violence with each step. A threat in both the running and passing game, he will have a high usage percentage. Hampton will come into the NFL with experience as a workhorse but not too much tread on his tires.

Scheme Fit: Zone Rushing Offense

Ideal Role: Three Down RB

Best Team Fits: LAC, CLE, NE

Player Comparison: Isaiah Pacheco

Player Grade: Round 2 (88.8)