Hampton, who said he’s “watched some of the highlights,” obviously has a long way to go to close the achievement gap after an injury-plagued rookie season, but McDaniel acknowledges the talent.
The 22nd overall pick of the 2025 draft was just settling in last year, fresh off a 165-yard, one-touchdown performance, when he broke his ankle in Week 5. He returned in Week 14 and finished the year with 545 rushing yards, 192 scores in nine and five games.
McDaniel, a player’s coach never shy about touting his offensive weapons, is now tasked with helping elevate Hampton’s game to such lofty comparisons.
With McDaniel in his corner, Hampton has a lot going on for his second season. For one, he’s an undisputed RB1. The Chargers signed Keaton Mitchell this offseason, but Hampton doesn’t have to deal with a role like he did last year when LA signed veteran Najee Harris. Los Angeles should also have a much-improved offensive line, with cornerbacks Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt both returning from injuries and free agent Tyler Biadasz now manning the center.
Most important will be the introduction of McDaniel’s offense. Despite being shorter than the 6-foot-0, 220-pound Hampton (and the 5-11, 206-pound Davis), De’Von Achane, a 5-9, 191-pound blur, showed just how random McDaniel’s scheme can be for ball carriers.
Running lanes were open and the passing game was constantly moved through the backfield, allowing Achane to accumulate 1,838 total yards and 12 touchdowns on 305 carries (238 touches, 67 catches) last season.
Hampton admitted his excitement to be involved in playing in the system.
“I really like it,” he said of McDaniel’s plan. “Really, all the quarterbacks really like it. Getting into it, just figuring it out, figuring out the details of it, it’s going to be great for us.”
He certainly won’t throw the Mile High Salute, a celebration Davis made his own when he was with LA’s AFC West rival Broncos, but perhaps Hampton will be able to put together a highlight reel reminiscent of the Hall of Fame running back in 2026.