Max Johnson on Omarion 'The Hammer' Hampton: 'He's a baller ... he can do it all'

Max Johnson may be new at North Carolina, but the former Texas A&M QB at least has one proven veteran in the backfield with him in Tar Heel running back Omarion Hampton.

Hampton exploded for a massive 2023, taking 253 total carries for 1,504 rushing yards while racking up more than 1,700 total yards from scrimmage. The rising junior now returns as one of college football’s premier running backs. He’s hoping to be the best in the country this season.

Max Johnson is certainly thrilled to have such an unbelievable weapon alongside him back there. When asked about the UNC bell cow at ACC Media Days, he revealed the short but powerful nickname for Hampton.

“Omarion Hampton, yeah, we call him The Hammer,” said Johnson. “He’s a baller. So, he can do it all.”

Johnson went on to explain that Hampton is just a game-changer in every phase.

“I mean, watching his film last year, he made plays in the passing game, the run game, he does a great job in pass protection. He’s an incredible back. So, I think he understands the game and I’m looking forward to seeing how much he grows this year.”

Establishing a good relationship with a veteran like Hampton will be important for Johnson, who is trying to grab onto the leadership reins at Carolina and explained that process to the ACC Network crew.

“I think coming in, leading by example first, earning everybody’s respect — because I’ve had to do that multiple times with different schools,” said Johnson regarding what’s most important when trying to develop as a leader.

“I think, like I said, being able to come in, lead by example, also being able to vocally lead as well,” he added. “I think it’s important to show great respect to everybody and just kind of put your head down and work.”

It’s been an offseason full of work for North Carolina and Max Johnson ahead of an intriguing 2024 season for the Tar Heels.

Johnson and the Tar Heels seem like a perfect fit, as he joins the team with 5,853 passing yards, 47 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions throughout his career. But he still has some competition with Conner Harrell for the starting job under center, who has far less live game experience but has spent the last two seasons with North Carolina learning directly behind Drake Maye.

But regardless of who becomes UNC’s starting quarterback, it will be fascinating to see if they can keep up the trend of elite play at the position that’s now become the new standard in Chapel Hill.