Michigan running back commit Lundon Hampton made a strong first impression Thursday night at Wayne State University, finishing Kenowa Hills’ season opener with 14 carries for 71 yards and two touchdowns against DeWitt.
The 2027 Grand Rapids (Mich.) Kenowa Hills standout looked the part of a Big Ten-bound back from the start.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Hampton stood out immediately on the sideline and between the lines, with a frame that already shows broad shoulders, visible muscle definition and long arms. He still has room to grow, especially in his lower body, but the foundation is already there.
What also stands out is how he carries himself. Hampton played with a calm, steady presence and never seemed rattled by the moment.
That sort of demeanor showed up not just in how he handled the game, but in how those around him responded to him. It was obvious Kenowa Hills people value him for more than his recruiting status.
DeWitt came in focused on slowing him down, loading the box and trying to control the line of scrimmage. Even with that attention, Hampton still found ways to break off meaningful runs, including gains of 11, 15 and 17 yards.
The 15-yard run came in the red zone, where multiple DeWitt defenders tried to hang on but still couldn’t stop him before he reached the end zone. Other times, he pressed forward, found a crease or bounced outside to keep the offense moving.
There wasn’t much left to question after the game. Hampton earned Kenowa Hills’ Most Outstanding Player of the Game honor, and it fit.
As the season goes on and the offense settles in more, especially with the line improving and less pressure on the passing game, bigger numbers should follow. A recruiting bump down the line would not be a surprise, either.
Hampton doesn’t look like the typical running back by body type. He resembles more of a safety or linebacker, but that size is exactly part of the appeal for Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford and head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Tackling him low clearly isn’t enough, and he runs with a direct style that doesn’t invite unnecessary risk in the backfield. Ball security held up too, even with DeWitt applying plenty of pressure.
The game featured turnovers from both teams, but none came from Hampton.
His role in the passing game was limited. He was targeted only twice and finished with two receiving yards.
There should be more opportunities in space later in the fall once Kenowa Hills finds more rhythm offensively. He also did a lot of pass protection work, especially on third down, and held up well against edge rushers and blitzing linebackers.
The main area for growth there is pad level and hip bend.
Hampton also made an impact on defense in a rover-linebacker type role against DeWitt’s Wing-T offense. The ball didn’t often come his way, but when it did, he delivered.
His best defensive play came in the first quarter on Kenowa Hills’ side of the field, when he came downhill for a tackle for loss that helped force a turnover on downs. He also broke up a tunnel screen in the boundary.
There’s no real mystery about where Hampton will start when he gets to Michigan: running back. The next step is development, and that’s where the fit gets even more interesting. He’ll join a room that includes Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter, and the expectation is that he’ll benefit from the knowledge around him and the coaching of Alford.
For now, Hampton’s attention is on finishing his senior year strong. His parents expect him to enroll early, and they say concern about him flipping is nonexistent. The family’s comfort with Michigan comes from the relationship-building that happened throughout the process, especially with Alford and Whittingham.
His father said every box was checked because of the effort put in by the staff. The family also mentioned the sense of community that has started to form with other Michigan commits and their families.
Hampton said he’s becoming good friends with four-star cornerback Blake Jenkins, and his mother is in a group chat with other soon-to-be team moms. His brother, who played college football at Saginaw Valley State and Indiana Wesleyan, is eager to see Hampton run out of the tunnel at The Big House for the first time in the winged helmet.
That confidence showed up clearly in his father’s words: “All (Lundon) has proven to us so far is that he can play high school football. We’re talking about D-I, and then Big Ten, but you have the person (in Alford) who can get him there.
I’m confident in that. So, we’re playing the long game.
We want to learn. There’s going to be some things that he hasn’t been exposed to yet.
There’s going to be a learning curve, and we understand that. But we’re more concerned with who’s teaching him, and that’s where our confidence (comes from).”
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