Michigan running back commit Lundon Hampton opened his senior season the way he’s made a habit of doing things: finding the end zone.
The 2027 in-state tailback scored two touchdowns Thursday for Grand Rapids (Mich.) Kenowa Hills in the annual Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University. The performance kicked off Hampton’s final high school run as his team chases a trip to Ford Field in late November, but the result left him wanting more.
“Started off a little slow but just felt great to be back out here. Got a lot of things to clean up,” Hampton told Maize n Brew.
Hampton is a little more than four months away from early enrolling in Ann Arbor, and he’s already settled into the next phase of his recruitment. He committed to Michigan in May and spent the summer building relationships with the other 20 players in the Wolverines’ 2027 class, while also strengthening his connection with the coaching staff that began when he picked up an offer this spring.
He was the first running back Tony Alford landed in the 2027 cycle, and the communication has stayed steady ever since. Hampton said the staff keeps in touch with his family, and that includes head coach Kyle Whittingham.
“It’s been great. They’re keeping a good relationship with me and just excited for the offseason,” Hampton said.
“They’re always checking up on me. I would say probably once a week.
I’m very excited. I get to learn from one of the best coaches (in Alford).
A lot of experience in the room that I can learn from.
“I would say (improving) my pad level, get it down a little lower. Get faster, get stronger. My goal is for to win a national championship.”
Hampton also pointed to four-star cornerback Blake Jenkins as one of the players he’s grown especially close with in the class, calling him a “great guy” and “always willing to give a helping hand.
“I feel like we have a great class,” Hampton said. “We have an opportunity to go win a national championship.”
Michigan still has work to do on the recruiting trail this cycle, with the staff pushing hard for several uncommitted prospects and others currently pledged elsewhere. Hampton is doing his part too, especially when it comes to Oregon wide receiver commit Dakota Guerrant, whom the Wolverines haven’t stopped pursuing.
“The best in Michigan stay in Michigan,” Hampton said with a smile.
When Hampton eventually arrives in maize and blue, he wants people to know exactly what kind of player and person they’re getting.
“Great teammate, a great guy on-and off-the-field,” Hampton said. “A leader and a worker who can do it all.”
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The questions are less about whether the pieces are there than about how fast they can mesh under a new staff. Quarterback Bryce Underwood is being viewed as a possible breakout name, while Jordan Marshall has the look of a back who could help define the offense if he takes the expected step forward. Add in the potential lift from Savion Hiter and the presence of Jay Hill coordinating the defense, and there is no shortage of reasons to think Michigan can contend. Still, the opening stretch of the season will tell a lot, and the margin for settling in may be slimmer than usual. [Read more 🡒]
Former Michigan Players Suddenly Face Tough NFL Roster Decisions
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For some of those ex-Wolverines, the next stop could be injured reserve or a practice squad opportunity if they clear waivers, which keeps the door open even after an initial setback. It is still an uneasy stretch, though, because these decisions can change the course of a young players first real NFL opportunity just as camp has ended and the league turns the page to Week 1. [Read more 🡒]