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Omarion Hampton NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for North Carolina RB

BR NFL Scouting DepartmentContributor I

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 29: North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs the ball during the college football game between North Carolina Tar Heels and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on August 29, 2024, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 220


POSITIVES

— Equipped with strong, dense, and well-proportionate build/frame.

— Runs hard and behind his pads downhill with a finisher mentality.

— Combines vision and patience to work through the defensive front.

— Gap scheme fit with light footwork when pressing the line of scrimmage.


NEGATIVES

— Lacks open-field elusiveness and wiggle to make defenders miss in short/confined spaces.

— Limited explosiveness when forced to cut laterally.

— Improving pass pro technique and hand placements.


NOTES

— Born March 16, 2003

— 4-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2023: First-Team All-ACC; Doak Walker Award Finalist; Second-Team AP All-America


OVERALL

Omarion Hampton is a hard-charging downhill running back with experience carrying a rushing offense.

Hampton is built like an NFL running back. He runs behind his pads with a strong leg drive. He has good body control and contact balance to bounce off tacklers and gain yards after contact. He converts speed-to-power well to run through defenders and fall forward. Hampton is at his best when his shoulders are squared to the line of scrimmage. He is an ideal fit for downhill gap scheme run offenses with a mixture of inside zones. He is a strong short-yardage and red-zone runner because of his physical and powerful running style.

When pressing the line of scrimmage, Hampton displays light and quick footwork to change running lanes and find daylight. He does a good job reducing his frame and getting skinny to fit through small creases. Hampton is a slashing-style runner once he breaks into the open field. He plays with a good combination of burst and speed to generate big plays as a runner and receiver. Hampton is a three-down player with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and willingness in pass protection. He has what teams need in a bell cow or lead running back.

On the downside, Hampton is not an overly elusive runner. He does not have the wiggle to force missed tackles with finesse rather than brute strength. Hampton is not an explosive lateral cutter with the ball in his hands. He is more suited for vertical cuts working downhill. Hampton is a willing pass protector, but his technique can improve. He should adjust his punches and hand placement to maximize his physical strength and ability to anchor.

In conclusion, Omarion Hampton is a talented and versatile offensive player. He makes his impact felt as a receiver and runner. Hampton projects best in gap/power run schemes, which allow him to attack the line of scrimmage with momentum and squared shoulders. He should excel after contact and score touchdowns in the red zone.


GRADE: 8.3 (Year 1 Starter — Late 1st - Early 2nd)

OVERALL RANK: 9

POSITION RANK: RB2

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of David Montgomery


Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson


Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.