Omarion Hampton Is Already Turning Heads—and Turning the Tide—for the Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers may have entered the 2025 offseason with questions surrounding their backfield, but they appear to have found their answer—and perhaps much more—in rookie running back Omarion Hampton.
Selected 22nd overall in the NFL Draft, Hampton was a pick the Chargers never expected to be available that late. Head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted as much, recalling that several teams tried trading up to snag him. Instead, the Chargers stayed put and pressed the button.
Now, just a few weeks into OTAs, Hampton is making it look like a franchise-altering decision.
Built for Harbaugh’s Vision
At 6 feet tall and 220-plus pounds of what Harbaugh calls “chiseled granite,” Hampton fits the mold of the downhill, physical runner central to offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s run-heavy scheme. His combination of speed and strength—evident in his 4.46-second 40-yard dash and bruising collegiate style—has already turned heads in Chargers practices.
“He’s efficient. He’s explosive. He can pass-protect. He can catch. He’s physical. He’s strong. He’s ready,” Harbaugh raved. “This is one of those players where everyone—from high school to college—only has great things to say. His work ethic, football IQ, and personality all check the boxes. He’s the kind of player you’d want your daughter to marry.”
Those are strong words from a coach who’s seen his fair share of talent, and they reflect a growing belief within the organization that Hampton may be more than just another rookie. He could be a culture-setting cornerstone.
Production Meets Potential
Hampton brings with him a dominant collegiate résumé. In back-to-back seasons at North Carolina, he surpassed 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns—an FBS feat matched by just three other players since 2016. Even more impressive: he maintained those numbers despite a rotating quarterback room in 2024, often facing stacked boxes and still emerging as one of the most productive backs in the country.
According to Chargers regional scout James MacPherson, that resilience was key in their evaluation. “He had to do more of the heavy lifting last year,” MacPherson said. “That told us a lot about what kind of back he is. He didn’t rely on a star quarterback to open things up—he created opportunities himself.”
A Future RB1 in a Crowded Backfield?
The Chargers already added veteran Najee Harris this offseason on an $8 million deal, seemingly as a stabilizing presence. But early returns suggest Hampton may not wait long to claim the starting job.
While Harris has been a steady 1,000-yard rusher throughout his career, he lacks Hampton’s suddenness, long speed, and pass-catching ability. Hampton’s burst through the line and downhill power already hint at a dynamic presence that could reshape the Chargers’ offense.
Pro Football Focus agrees, placing Hampton at No. 24 in its preseason running back rankings—two spots ahead of Harris and above proven veterans like Rhamondre Stevenson.
Harbaugh’s Ground Game Revival
With Harbaugh at the helm, there’s no secret about what the Chargers want to be: tough, physical, and committed to the run. The additions of Hampton, Harris, and offensive lineman Mekhi Becton all signal that intention. And Hampton, by every measure so far, looks like the perfect engine to power that identity.
“We know Coach Harbaugh wants to run the ball,” Hampton said. “That’s something he’s done everywhere. I love it. We’ve got Najee, a strong offensive line, a great quarterback. I feel like we’re building something really special.”
If early OTAs are any indication, the Chargers may have found not just a steal in Hampton—but their offensive heartbeat for years to come.
Come training camp and preseason, don’t be surprised if the rookie isn’t just pushing for touches. He might be pushing for the spotlight.
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