What a recruiting stretch this week has been for Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford.
After snagging a commitment from four-star bell-cow Tyson Robinson this past weekend, Alford nabbed another high-profile tailback in the 2027 class, as Grand Rapids (Mich.) Kenowa Hills star Lundon Hampton announced his pledge to the Wolverines.
Hampton is the fourth in-state commit for Michigan this cycle and the 14th overall member. Michigan beat MSU, Penn State and Iowa for Hampton, who visited Ann Arbor twice
this spring, including for the spring game at The Big House. He was offered while on his March trip, and Alford saw Hampton workout during the contact period.
At 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Hampton is the No. 24 overall athlete in the country and No. 19 recruit in the state of Michigan, according to Rivals.
Maize n Brew breaks down film from Hampton junior campaign, providing an in-depth look at the potential he brings to the table.
Since the beginning of last month, Maize n Brew has seen Hampton twice. First was in Nashville for Battle 7v7 and later for the spring game. Hampton didn’t compete down south, but both instances provided an opportunity to examine his physical build.
Hampton is every inch and weight that Rivals reports right now. He’s filled out and how he compares to his peers physically is noteworthy, especially those at the positions he plays at the prep level. When examining his Hudl film, athleticism aside, Hampton stands out significantly. The sky is the limit for his body development once he enters Michigan’s strength and conditioning program.
Alford recruited Hampton as a running back because of his ability to evade tacklers in the open field and his explosiveness. On film, arm tackle attempts and dives to Hampton’s lower half never delay his forward progressions when the ball is in his hands. He can break runs to the outside, take proper angles, and has the speed to kick it into another gear to outrun defensive backs.
The way Hampton makes cuts through holes between the hashmarks is also noticeable. It’s similar to the prowess of Robinson, so it’s not difficult to pinpoint why Alford wanted the pair. Although Hampton doesn’t have as many route running and pass catching highlights as Robinson, the former can become a target and make an impact in that aspect.
Hampton also brings a versatility trait that could get molded well under the guidance of Michigan’s staff, meaning he may not remain at running back in college. Other top programs were eyeing him to play linebacker, cornerback and safety, and his junior tape shows multiple clips of him contributing at all three positions. He also came down to the line of scrimmage as an edge rusher.
His instincts on defense allow him get off the block and record tackles for a loss. While defending the pass, he sticks to the hip of opposing wideouts to breakup balls in the air or record interceptions. Hampton plays on special teams as well for his high school, serving as punt returner.
He does not have verified times reported in the 40-yard or 100-meter dash, so determining that benchmark and where development could transpire to improve that area will be something to monitor. Also, if he commits to running back only, how will he separate himself from the other rostered players? He’ll bring a heated work ethic because of the opportunity to play for the in-state school, which should elevate progress down the road.
