**Omarion Hampton Named a Sleeper Pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds**
*By Eric Smith, originally published on Chargers.com*
As NFL teams gear up for the start of the new season, speculation about potential breakout stars continues to grow. One name garnering increasing attention is Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton. Analysts and fans alike are keeping an eye on the former North Carolina standout, who has been spotlighted as an under-the-radar choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) honors. With the 2024 NFL season looming, Hampton’s combination of skill, opportunity, and team fit suggests he could outperform expectations in his debut professional campaign.
Below, we explore why Omarion Hampton is an intriguing OROY sleeper, his college career, expected role with the Chargers, and how his physical traits and playing style might help him earn league-wide recognition.
## Omarion Hampton: The Path to Becoming a Sleeper OROY Candidate
Omarion Hampton’s journey to the NFL didn’t involve the same hype that surrounded other top-tier running back prospects, but his potential has caught the attention of analysts who believe he could turn heads in 2024. Betting markets supporting awards predictions, like those offered by Caesars Sportsbook, currently list him as a long-shot, indicating his sleeper status—a position that has historically led to surprise OROY winners.
Key factors working in Hampton’s favor:
– A likely early opportunity for carries in the Chargers’ backfield
– Favorable offensive scheme under new head coach Jim Harbaugh
– Recent running back successes in Harbaugh-led systems
– A powerful and determined running style that mirrors previous rookie OROY backs
## College Career and Production at North Carolina
Before entering the NFL, Hampton made a name for himself in college football as a reliable and productive back for the University of North Carolina. During his time with the Tar Heels, he demonstrated an ability to carry the offensive load and consistently found the end zone.
Highlights of his collegiate career include:
– Racked up 1,504 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023 alone
– Averaged over 5 yards per carry on more than 250 attempts
– Unleashed big plays in key matchups against ACC competition
– Showed durability and stamina by handling a high volume of carries in back-to-back games
While Hampton may not have captured the Heisman attention of other college stars, his steady production and resilience drew interest from NFL scouts searching for a solid, ground-based contributor.
## Draft and Chargers Fit
Despite his strong college résumé, Omarion Hampton was not one of the first backs selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chargers picked him in the later rounds, seeing value in his game and envisioning a clear role for him within their emerging offensive scheme.
When the Chargers evaluated Hampton, they viewed him not merely as a depth piece, but as someone who could factor heavily into Jim Harbaugh’s ground-first offensive identity. Harbaugh, now in his first season with Los Angeles, has a long track record of relying on capable, physical running backs to grind games and control the tempo.
Hampton could fit this prototype perfectly:
– He is a 220-pound runner with the size to absorb contact
– Has demonstrated north-south power running
– Can battle through defenders at the second level for extra yardage
– Brings a mindset of physical dominance to the RB position
With the departure of key veterans in the Chargers’ backfield, Hampton may find himself in a position to earn carries early in the season, possibly even starting games depending on preseason performance and injuries.
## Jim Harbaugh’s Offensive Philosophy: A Perfect Match
One of the most compelling reasons for betting on Hampton as a potential OROY winner is the system he will find himself in beginning Week 1. Harbaugh’s offenses, both at the collegiate and professional levels, have leaned heavily on powerful rushing attacks fueled by
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