Rodney Hampton came out of Houston, Texas to run in one of the greatest backfields of the '80s with Lars Tate, Tim Worley and Keith Henderson at the University of Georgia.
Courtesy of ESPN and GhostofErkRussell
Although having to split carries with the talented group, Hampton emerged as probably the best of the bunch. He still holds the UGA record for highest single-season average gain per carry with his 7.06 yardage mark his freshman year. That season was highlighted by his performance against Ole Miss, a 290-yard all-purpose day including 227 yards rushing, 28 yards receiving and 35 kickoff return yards. The all-purpose mark stands as UGA's highest total.
Hampton's 2,668 career rushing yards are third highest in a three-year stretch by any Georgia back -- all while splitting carries his first two seasons.
Inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame in 2006, he carried 62 times for 288 yards versus Florida in three victories.
The Texas product checked in as an All-American in 1988 and 1989, and scored three touchdowns in the 1989 Gator Bowl, Vince Dooley's final game as head coach.
Hampton declared early for the 1990 NFL Draft and was selected 24th overall by the New York Giants, where he played his entire career. His 6,897 rushing yards were the most by a Giant until Tiki Barber surpassed the number in 2004.
No comments:
Post a Comment