CB VICTOR HAMPTON, SOUTH CAROLINA*
5’10” – 202 lbs. – 4.50e
STATISTICAL PROFILE:
2010: Redshirt
2011: 14 – 0.0 – 0.0, 3 PD, 1 INT
2012: 40 – 3.0 – 1.0, 6 PD, 1 INT
OVERVIEW:
Redshirted in 2010, then was briefly dismissed from the team in 2011 before working his way onto the field as a part-time kick returner and reserve cornerback. Started twelve of thirteen games in 2012, with the lone non-start coming as a result of South Carolina’s goal-line formation. Won the team’s “Everyday Attitude and Hustle Award” in 2012 and 2013.
POSITIVES:
• Overall height and speed are adequate for the position, with a muscular build.
• Started for the Gamecocks for two years, with escalating production in each.
• Plays with a certain swagger; exhibits a physical, aggressive on-field temperament.
• Confident player with a short memory, recovers well after allowing a completion.
• Has been asked to play man coverage, zone coverage, and shuffle technique.
• Pattern-recognition skills are good, remembers routes from earlier in the game.
• Willing run defender who remembers to wrap up rather than going for the big hit.
• Does a good job of shedding blocks from receivers on screens and running plays.
• Strength and physicality allows him to play against taller receivers despite height.
• Typically plays cornerback but has also lined up as more of a safety on occasion.
• Rebounded from previous character concerns to receive recognition from coaches.
NEGATIVES:
• Attended four different high schools, was dismissed from the Gamecocks in 2011.
• Reportedly has had academic problems which may have contributed to dismissal.
• Has decent ball skills but doesn’t actually come down with too many interceptions.
• A little bit more instinctive in man coverage than he is in zone, takes some false steps.
• Tends to defend the sidelines, can be susceptible to slants and crossing patterns.
• Benefited from playing on a team with an excellent group of pass rushers on the line.
• Considered something of a freelancer who could play with more consistent discipline.
SUMMARY:
Hampton is somewhat difficult to analyze because, while he possesses adequate physical tools for a starting cornerback and seems to check out mentally in terms of his confidence, physicality, pattern-recognition, and ability to recover from mistakes, there are also some aspects of his past which will require further investigation. However, based exclusively on his film, he has the look for a potential starter, most likely as a team’s second option, who can do a little bit of everything on the field and doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses in his game.