Football Bio –
Hampton was a high-volume feature back at North Carolina, earning major All-ACC and All-America recognition after consecutive prolific rushing seasons. The Chargers selected him No. 22 overall in 2025. As a rookie he flashed lead-back ability with 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns in nine games before an ankle injury interrupted the season. Pre-draft testing: 4.46-second 40, 38-inch vertical, 10-foot-10 broad jump, 4.40 short shuttle and 18 bench-press reps at the 2025 NFL Combine. 2026 context: Hampton is expected to be the lead back and one of the biggest beneficiaries of Mike McDaniel's run-game design.
HEIGHT
6' 0"
WEIGHT
220
EXPERIENCE
2 yrs
COLLEGE
North Carolina
2026 Outlook
Hampton enters the regular season as the lead back and one of the offense's biggest breakout candidates after an injury-shortened rookie year. The Chargers are counting on his power, explosiveness and receiving ability to anchor a more productive rushing attack.
Career Highlights
Played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels before being selected 22nd overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. A first-round pick at No. 22 in 2025, Hampton was one of college football's most productive backs at North Carolina and earned major All-ACC and All-America recognition. As an NFL rookie he rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns in nine games despite missing time with an ankle injury.
Personal Life
Hampton is from Clayton, North Carolina, and is the son of Leslie Hampton and Cory Chappell. His brother Jamal played cornerback at Chowan University before pursuing music, and cousin Giorgio Lowrance played wide receiver at North Carolina A&T. Hampton was also a basketball and track athlete in high school, and family support has remained a central part of his story from Cleveland High School through North Carolina and into the NFL.