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UNC Football Star Omarion Hampton Comes Up Empty at Awards Show

UNC football's Omarion Hampton did not add the Doak Walker Award to his trophy collection.

Matt Giles

UNC football running back Omarion Hampton (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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Omarion Hampton is either a first- or second-team All-American, depending on where you look. But on Friday night, the UNC football sophomore from Clayton, N.C., did not receive the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back; no, it went to Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II.

That said, just being one of the three finalists for that hardware at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show is a high honor in itself, especially considering Hampton rushed for only 401 yards last year.

This go-round, the 20-year-old Omarion Hampton put forth the definition of a breakout campaign, amassing 1,442 yards (the third most in a season in UNC football history) and 15 touchdowns (No. 5 among all-time single-season marks by Tar Heels) on the ground.

However, his meager 28 yards on nine carries in a road loss to rival NC State in the regular season finale didn't help his chances to snag the Doak Walker Award.

Even so, the 6-foot, 220-pound former four-star recruit led the ACC in rushing attempts (234), attempts per game (19.5), yards, yards per game (120.7), and touchdowns. He landed first-team all-conference honors alongside three UNC teammates: quarterback Drake Maye, tight end Bryson Nesbit, and linebacker Cedric Gray.

Hampton and the Tar Heels (8-4, 4-4 ACC), who went 2-4 across their last six games after winning six straight out of the gates, are gearing up to face West Virginia (8-4, 6-3 ACC) at the Duke's Mayo Bowl in Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 27 at 5:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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