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Omarion Hampton honored as a top 2024 running back with Doak Walker Watch List nomination

aidan jensen
·2 min read
Nov 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs as Campbell Fighting Camels linebacker Monchovia Gaffney (4) and linebacker Taylor Behl (17) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs as Campbell Fighting Camels linebacker Monchovia Gaffney (4) and linebacker Taylor Behl (17) defend in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

In his first season as a starting running back last year, UNC's Omarion Hampton showed why he's amongst the country's best.

Hampton is expected to stay amongst the best entering North Carolina's 2024 season, which starts on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Minnesota, particularly as the Tar Heels will carry a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2022.

Hampton's 2023 production, which included the ACC's best rushing yardage total, is paying off with a nomination to the Doak Walker Award Watch List for the upcoming season. Hampton is one of 88 running backs on the list, which includes 15 ACC backs.

If you're not familiar with the Doak Walker Award, it's given annually to the top running back in college football. Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, whom Hampton was second to on the rushing yards leaderboard at one point, won the award last year.

Now, Hampton is prepping to be the best back in the country for 2024.

Going into last season, Hampton wasn't even supposed to be the Tar Heels' starting back, with British Brooks getting the much-deserved opportunity after missing all of 2023. After Brooks' 100-yard performance in North Carolina's 2023 season-opening win over South Carolina, it appeared Brooks would stay the starter.

When UNC eked out a thrilling double-overtime victory against App State, Hampton overtook Brooks on the depth chart with a 234-yard, 3-touchdown (both season highs) performance.

Hampton ended his sophomore season with 1,504 rushing yards, which was also fifth nationally amongst Division-I backs. plus 15 touchdowns. He is expected to be the Tar Heels' offensive focal point entering the fall.

Hampton's nomination is one thing. If Hampton were to win the award, he'd be the first player in North Carolina history to do so.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : Omarion Hampton honored as a top 2024 running back with Doak Walker Watch List nomination