The NFL is a league where comparisons are made constantly. Whether it’s a college prospect, an unproven young player, or even a coach, some comparisons carry more weight than others. Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel recently gave second-year running back Omarion Hampton one of the highest compliments possible—a Hall of Fame comparison.
Speaking with reporters about his ongoing work with McDaniel, Hampton revealed a surprising detail. According to Hampton, McDaniel told him that he reminds him of Denver Broncos legend Terrell Davis.
A sixth-round pick in 1995, Davis rushed for 6,413 yards and 56 touchdowns during his first four NFL seasons. That stretch culminated in a 2,000-yard rushing campaign in 1998. Along the way, he earned three Pro Bowl selections, three First-Team All-Pro honors, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and two Super Bowl championships.
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Those accomplishments ultimately earned Davis a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
3. Los Angeles Chargers – $110.0M
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) returns to the bench with running back Omarion Hampton (8), tight end Will Dissly (89) and quarterback Justin Herbert (10) after catching a touchdown pass from Herbert against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Hampton admitted he needs to watch more film of Davis, but he already understands what McDaniel can do for running backs. Most recently, McDaniel helped develop Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane into one of the league’s most explosive offensive weapons.
Hampton believes this offensive system can elevate his game as well.
“I like it a lot,” Hampton said of McDaniel’s scheme.
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“Really all the running backs like it a lot. Getting in the groove of it, just figuring it out, figuring out the details of it. I feel like it’s gonna be super good for us.”
Omarion Hampton (RB, Los Angeles Chargers)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) rushes against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
This is the time of year when optimism naturally grows during the team development phase. Still, receiving a comparison to a Hall of Famer is remarkable for a player so early in his career. While McDaniel never coached Davis, he grew up watching him as a Broncos fan and clearly sees similarities in Hampton’s game.
Hampton possesses the tools to develop into one of the NFL’s elite running backs. In nine games last season, he rushed for 545 yards on 124 carries and scored four touchdowns. Injuries interrupted his campaign and limited his overall production.
However, a healthy bounce-back season in McDaniel’s offense could put Hampton on the path toward his first All-Pro caliber campaign.