2025 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Omarion Hampton, RB North Carolina

Omarion Hampton | © Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Rob Willette Posted On January 20, 2025

A finalist for the Doak Walker award in 2023 as a true sophomore, expectations were high for Omarion Hampton entering the 2024 season. He did nothing to disappoint, once again becoming a finalist for the award, losing out to Ashton Jeanty and his historic campaign.

He fell just short of the biggest college football prize for running backs but cemented himself as one of the best runners in this year’s draft class. With a workhorse frame and incredible production, fantasy managers have been excited to add Hampton to rosters. He has an incredibly intriguing profile, outlined below.

Recruitment

Courtesy of 247 Sports.

Despite fielding offers from many national heavyweights – including Ohio State, Michigan, and LSU – Hampton stayed local, making the hour-long trip from Clayton, North Carolina to Chapel Hill. He committed to the Tar Heels on July 21st, 2021 and never wavered, enrolling the next summer.

Hampton was the nation’s 11th-ranked back in both 247’s rankings and in the composite, with all agreeing he was one of the nation’s most promising backs in the recruiting cycle. In hindsight, the ranking was too low, as the only runner ahead of him who has made a big impact at the college level is Penn State’s Nick Singleton.

Collegiate Career

Courtesy of Sports Reference.

While North Carolina’s football program has had its moments, they lack the prestige of some of the bigger schools which were courting Hampton’s services. This could be a case where location was key, as Hampton was able to step right in to be a fixture in the Tar Heel backfield. He is good enough to carve out a role at any school, but North Carolina gave him an opportunity to be a workhorse.

After splitting time as a freshman, Hampton took hold of the starting gig and proved too good to be kept off the field. Remarkably, he averaged 5.9 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns in both his sophomore and junior seasons, yet increased his total yardage in 2024, perhaps most notably in the passing game. He leaves the program fourth on the all-time rushing yards list, having just surpassed the Arizona Cardinals’ Michael Carter late in the season.

Strengths

Finishes runs with panache
Frame built for heavy workloads
Light feet bely his size
Excelled despite limited supporting cast in 2024
Incredible production across his career

Weaknesses

Not going to string together moves in the open field.
Mass can slow him down when making hard cuts

Draft Value

Courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database.

Unless you are a back with special traits across the board a la Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley, best in class runners are normally landing in round two, which is where you routinely see Omarion Hampton land in early mocks. He profiles as a strong lead back yet not an all-purpose, dynamic three-down runner like the game’s top runners.

Hampton figures to land with a team seeking an identity in its backfield. His rugged running style can set a physical tone and wear down a defense over the course of four quarters. While the receiving numbers are promising on the surface, he was more of a check-down option; however, his willingness in pass protection and soft hands offer a path to additional upside as a pass-catcher.

A mediocre Combine could raise questions with regards to Hampton’s ultimate upside, but he should perform well enough as nothing on tape indicates he is overmatched physically. His sturdy profile speaks to a back who goes on day two, an area in which teams are identifying a long-term starter, giving Hampton stable value as we enter the heart of the dynasty off-season.

Dynasty Outlook

Rankers are bullish on Hampton early, placing him at RB3 and sixth overall in DLF’s rookie rankings. He has several factors working in his favor. He is an early declare, suggesting he received positive feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory Board. He was a collegiate superstar who thrived within multiple schemes and with significant personnel changes around him. He is built for the NFL and suffered no significant injuries during his time at North Carolina.

Like most prospects, draft capital and landing spot could cause his stock to rise or dip. As is, Hampton is battling Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson to be the second back off the board. There is a long road to travel prior to April’s draft, but the first round of rookie drafts is likely Hampton’s destiny. He should be drafted as a team’s runner of the now and of the future, giving him RB1 potential from day one for dynasty managers who are always desperate to find a young back with immense fantasy upside. Even in a deep running back class, Hampton stands out, making him one of the best investments in this year’s group of rookies.