Interview: 2018 Arkansas DL Terry Hampton Talks Red Wolves Commitment and Football
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are a lot of hard working college football staffs applying their recruiting trade across the country, and one can easily argue Arkansas State is atop the heap. Recruiting rankings may steer football fans in one direction, but the Red Wolves have been consistent winners on the field since 2010 capturing five of the last six Sun Belt titles sharing the fifth honor in 2016 with Appalachian State. The last four seasons have remained consistent under head coach Blake Anderson scouring the nation for talents like defensive tackle Terry Hampton. One look at Hampton’s reel, not his recruiting ranking or offer sheet, gives insight to how the Red Wolves continue to find top talent forsaken by their coaching peers translating to wins on the field.
Hampton is a true under the radar talent after being limited to four games during his junior year not because of a football injury but because of appendicitis. The time missed would be a big deal for most recruits but Hampton has been a gridiron warrior for El Dorado High School making the varsity squad as a freshman. All the time clocked on the field, a big motor, and great strength shows a beast on the field tossing opposing 6A offensive linemen around like rag dolls instilling fear in quarterbacks and running backs alike.
Despite being ranked as three-star by Rivals, every other college football program in the nation has overlooked Hampton other than Arkansas State, Henderson State, and Louisiana-Monroe. At 6-1, 263 pound, Hampton is shy a couple of inches in height to meet the prototypical mold most college coaches want for a defensive lineman; their loss and the Red Wolves gain.
Hampton has been a commit to the Red Wolves since May 25 and is now focused on tearing it up during his senior season. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Class of 2018 Natural State recruit covering his skills on the field, summer workouts, and commitment to Arkansas State.
Interview
How did your junior season go on the field?
“In the time that I played, it was a good season. My first game was the best I ever played, I scored a touchdown on a rip and score against Camden (Fairview).”
You play with a lot of power and strength moving offensive linemen around with ease, have you maxed out in the weight room at all this off-season?
“Yes, sir. My bench is 370, squat 550, and my power clean is 315.”
What have you been working on this off-season to fine-tune your game for the upcoming season?
“I’ve been working on my speed to move around faster and my footwork.”
Are you going to play any other positions during your senior year?
“My coach wants me to play some tight end.”
I can see that working out for everyone. Which schools came by El Dorado to see you practice this spring?
“Tulane, Grambling, and UCA (Central Arkansas), there were some more but I cannot remember all of them.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have three; Arkansas State, Henderson State, and ULM (Louisiana-Monroe).”
Have you been to any camps this off-season?
“No, sir. Next month I will go to at least one at the University of Kansas.”
Which schools have you unofficially visited?
“Memphis and Arkansas state.”
When did you visit Arkansas State?
“Back in May for a second time.”
What all did you do during your visit?
“We toured the school and the facilities. We met with coaching staff too.”
When did Arkansas State start recruiting you?
“My sophomore year.”
When did the Red Wolves’ staff offer you?
“My freshman year going into my sophomore year during the summer at a camp.”
And the legend grows.
(Laughs)
Which position will you play for A-State?
“The coaches are talking about rotating from tackle to end.”
Did the coaches talk about early playing time?
“Yes, sir. They are expecting me to come in right away and start contributing for the next four years.”
What led you to commit to Arkansas State?
“Coach (Brian) Early (defensive line coach) told me about what they are building there. I believe they are at the stage of becoming one of the best college teams in the nation.”
How did the commitment take place?
“I committed during a visit.”
Who did you commit to on the staff?
“Coach Anderson.”
What was Coach Anderson’s reaction when you committed to him?
“He was happy. He welcomed me to the family. He was excited.”
How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?
“I felt good. Arkansas State is where I wanted to be. I feel like I made the right decision.”
Are you recruiting other players to join you in Jonesboro?
“I’m trying to get Taliq Ellis (receiver/corner) to join me. He just transferred to our school from Nebraska.”
Have you set your official visit to Arkansas State for the fall yet?
“No, sir. Not yet.”
Last couple of questions. What goals have you set for yourself for the 2017 season?
“I want to help my team win a state championship.”
What inspires your play on the field?
“Being there with my teammates. I’ve played with the same group of guys since Pee Wee League. It is fun doing something we all love.”
Terry, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Click link to see Terry Hampton’s Hudl highlight reel.
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Photo credit: Hampton family; No. 90 Terry Hampton with family.