Jamie Hampton – Athlete (2016 Inductee)

Jamie Hampton

FOOTBALL
2nd Team All-State 2005
1st Team All-State 2006
Class lA Back of the Year Finalist
Top 20 Finalist for Wendy’s High School Heisman
Alabama vs. Mississippi All-Star Game 2007
Career Rushing: 203 carries for 1,272 yards (6.3 average) and 17 touchdowns
Career passing: 296 completions in 519 attempts (57%) for 4,971 yards and 65 touchdowns
Discover Orange Bowl Courage Nominee 2010
Academic All-Sunbelt Selection
National Football Foundation Scholar
National Strength & Conditioning All-American 2012
Pro Day: 40 Yard Dash 4.47; 225 lb. bench 17 reps; Vertical: 31.5; Broad Jump: 8’11” BASEBALL
1st Team All-State Baseball 2007
Honorable Mention All-State Baseball 2006

Jamie Hampton had all the tools scouts covet – size, speed, strength and smarts. In the summer of 2005, Hampton made the decision to accept a Division I scholarship with Purdue to play football, but he would never make it to West Lafayette. Instead, Hampton de-committed from Purdue and accepted a scholarship offer from Troy University.

While many didn’t understand the reason why he made that switch, no one foresaw the life changing impact his decision carried.

At Cedar Bluff High School, Hampton developed his gifts under the skillful guidance of former Tiger head coach Steve Smith.
Smith set Hampton on the course to tossing 65 career touchdowns and nearly 5,000 yards.

The tigers finished his junior season 12-1 when Jonathan McWhorter; Hampton’s first cousin, took over for Smith. Under the direction of the new mentor, the Tigers rolled to a 13-2 record and Class 1A runner-up finish.

A first team all-state honoree, Hampton was also selected as a finalist for the Class 1A Back of the Year and was a top 20 finalist for the Wendy’s High School Heisman. Popular with among his classmates, Hampton was also senior class president and FFA treasurer.

Hampton headed to Troy and a promising future as a Division I quarterback. He gained the Trojans quarterback starting position, but would battle injuries throughout his entire career at Troy. Knocked down, but never out, he continued to fight back each year to return to action. The former Tiger played 24 games over his five-year career at Troy, throwing for 12 touchdowns and nearly 1,200 yards.

While he became a genuine example of perseverance on the field for the Trojans, it was his off the field transformation that truly affected others. The physical trials he endured led to a teammate challenging Hampton’s spiritual testimony. He realized that football provided a platform for God to use to him in a powerful manner. Former Troy head coach Larry Blakeney often praised Hampton as he witnessed firsthand the transformation of the “exceptional Christian young man.”

Athletically, Hampton had one last goal to achieve prior to closing his career. While still in rehab, he removed the protective boot from his injured foot and proceeded to clock a 4.47 40-yard dash. Through all the physical trials Hampton endured, he was still the complete package… size, speed, strength and smarts. Thanks to a challenge from a friend, the package now includes an enduring faith and an everlasting spirit.

Jamie Hampton display