Hampton’s Arrival: Will the Chargers’ Rookie RB Steal the Show?
The Los Angeles Chargers are betting big on their future, and that future might just run through rookie Omarion Hampton. Fresh off being drafted 22nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the North Carolina standout is already turning heads and sparking a heated debate: Will he eclipse veteran Najee Harris and become the Chargers’ primary ball carrier?
A New Era in Los Angeles: Harbaugh’s “Smash Mouth” Football
Jim Harbaugh’s arrival in Los Angeles signals a clear shift in offensive philosophy. Known for his “smash mouth” style of football, Harbaugh prioritizes a strong running game and dominating the line of scrimmage. This approach was evident during his successful tenure at Michigan, where he emphasized physicality and establishing the run. An AFC scouting director noted that Harbaugh has always built his teams through the trenches and believes a strong running game should be the priority within an offensive system. This philosophy directly impacts the running back position, making it a focal point of the Chargers’ offense.
The Najee Harris Factor: A Veteran Presence
The Chargers signed Najee Harris to a one-year deal in March. Harris, a former first-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been a consistent performer throughout his career. In his four seasons with the Steelers, Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards each year, showcasing his durability and reliability. In 2024, he had 263 carries for 1,043 yards and six touchdowns. He has also proven to be a capable receiver out of the backfield, adding another dimension to his game.
Harris brings a veteran presence to the Chargers’ locker room and a proven track record of success. His experience and consistency make him a valuable asset, especially in the early stages of the season as Hampton adjusts to the NFL.
Omarion Hampton: The Fresh Prince of the Backfield
Omarion Hampton arrives in Los Angeles with a ton of hype. During his career with the North Carolina Tar Heels, Hampton amassed 3,565 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns. In his final college season, Hampton was a dominant force, racking up 2,033 yards from scrimmage, the third-most in the nation. He also showcased his versatility as a receiver and pass protector, impressing Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Hampton’s skill set aligns perfectly with Harbaugh’s vision for a physical, run-oriented offense. His combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a threat to break off big runs and wear down opposing defenses.
The Battle for Carries: A Two-Headed Monster?
The Chargers’ depth chart currently lists Hampton as the primary running back, with Harris as the second option. However, the reality on the field is likely to be more nuanced.
Hampton himself envisions a “dominant duo backfield” with Harris, emphasizing the potential for them to complement each other’s strengths. This sentiment is echoed by many analysts, who predict a relatively even timeshare between the two backs early in the season.
The Path to Stealing the Show: How Hampton Can Take Over
While Harris will likely have a significant role early on, Hampton has the potential to gradually take over as the lead back. Here’s how:
- Performance: If Hampton consistently outperforms Harris in practice and games, the coaching staff will have no choice but to give him more carries.
- Explosiveness: Hampton’s ability to create explosive plays could be a key factor. If he can consistently generate big runs and touchdowns, he’ll quickly become the focal point of the offense.
- Pass-Catching Prowess: While Harris is a capable receiver, Hampton’s potential in the passing game could give him an edge. If he can become a reliable target for Justin Herbert out of the backfield, he’ll see more snaps on third downs and in crucial situations.
- Harbaugh’s Trust: Ultimately, the decision of who gets the bulk of the carries will come down to Harbaugh’s trust. If Hampton can prove to Harbaugh that he’s a reliable and consistent performer, he’ll earn the coach’s confidence and a larger role in the offense.
The Impact on Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ Offense
A strong running game, spearheaded by either Harris or Hampton (or both), will have a positive impact on Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense as a whole. By establishing the run, the Chargers can:
- Take Pressure off Herbert: A dominant running game will reduce the number of pass attempts, minimizing the risk of turnovers and allowing Herbert to make more calculated throws.
- Open Up the Passing Game: When defenses are forced to respect the run, it creates more opportunities for Herbert to exploit matchups in the passing game.
- Control the Clock: A strong running game allows the Chargers to control the clock and keep the ball out of the hands of opposing offenses.
The Verdict: Will Hampton Steal the Show?
It’s still early, but all signs point to Omarion Hampton having a significant role in the Chargers’ offense in 2025. While Najee Harris will provide a valuable veteran presence, Hampton’s talent and potential are undeniable.
Whether Hampton completely “steals the show” from Harris remains to be seen, but he certainly has the potential to become the Chargers’ lead back and a star in the NFL. The Chargers are betting on it, and fans should be excited to watch this battle unfold.