Former UNC running back Omarion Hampton was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the No. 22 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday evening.
Hampton is just the fourth North Carolina running back drafted in the opening round. He is the first since Ethan Horton in 1985.
During his three-year stint at North Carolina, Hampton recorded 3,565 rushing yards, putting him at fourth all-time at UNC. The running back also had 36 career rush touchdowns, which is the third most in school history. Throughout his career, Hampton had 11 multi-score games and 19 games with 100 or more yards. He is one of nine players at UNC to record 1,000 yards in multiple seasons.
In 2024, Hampton led the ACC in rushing attempts, yards, all-purpose yards, touchdowns, attempts per game and yards per game. The running back recorded 2,033 all-purpose yards this season, setting a new UNC single-season record. He was named First-Team All-ACC and a Doak Award finalist — honoring the top running back in college football.
North Carolina has now produced 271 NFL draft picks, the fourth most in ACC history.
