UNC Football’s standout player named among the top 10 running backs for the upcoming 2024 season.

Even with Drake Maye as the quarterback in the previous season, the UNC football program aimed to prioritize the running game. This objective proved successful, with sophomore Omarion Hampton making a significant impact.

In his second year at Chapel Hill, Hampton achieved notable statistics by rushing for 1,504 yards and scoring 15 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed 222 receiving yards and secured another touchdown through the air. Hampton’s outstanding performance earned him recognition as one of the nation’s best, ultimately landing him a spot as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.

As Hampton enters his junior season, he is once again anticipated to play a central role in the UNC football program’s offensive strategy, particularly with the departure of Drake Maye to the NFL. Despite uncertainties at the quarterback position, North Carolina can rely on Hampton as a reliable workhorse. The team hopes that he can replicate or even surpass his impressive production from the previous season.

ESPN has acknowledged Hampton’s prowess by ranking him among the top 10 returning running backs in the country. On their list, the Tar Heels’ standout player secured the impressive fourth position. Notably, Hampton is one of only two ACC players to receive recognition on this list, with Jaydn Ott from conference newcomer Cal coming in at the ninth spot. This recognition highlights Hampton’s status as a key player and emphasizes his importance to the UNC football program as they approach the upcoming season.

Here’s what Andrea Adelson had to say about the Tar Heels’ star running back:

Heading into the previous season, North Carolina had a goal of prioritizing the running game, and this objective was successfully achieved with Hampton leading the way. The breakout sophomore season not only earned him recognition as a Doak Walker Award finalist but also secured Walter Camp first-team All-America honors. Hampton’s impressive performance included rushing for 1,504 yards, ranking second on the school’s single-season list, and scoring 15 rushing touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed with 29 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown. Hampton achieved seven 100-yard games, and his total rushing yards ranked fifth in the FBS.

In the upcoming season, there is a shift in dynamics for the North Carolina team. With the departure of Drake Maye and an impending open quarterback competition in the spring, Hampton emerges as the most familiar and established asset in the North Carolina offense. The prevailing belief is that opposing defenses will likely concentrate on containing Hampton by stacking the box, aiming to put pressure on the presumed new starting quarterback, anticipated to be either transfer Max Johnson or Conner Harrell, and challenge them to succeed against the defensive strategy.

Hampton stands out as an exceptional player, showcasing his impressive skill set throughout the 2023 season. The Tar Heels are optimistic that he can elevate his performance further in the upcoming season, recognizing the pivotal role the running game will play in the team’s success in 2024.