The Los Angeles Chargers used their first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton. The selection has drawn rave reviews from most.
While North Carolina is not necessarily known as a hotbed for professional running backs, there is precedence for the Chargers taking running backs out of that school in the draft. It's happened two times prior. The Chargers have only drafted eight players from UNC in their history and three of them have been running backs, including Hampton.
Looking back at draft history for the Chargers, dating back to their time in San Diego, here is a look at the other two running backs the team has drafted out of North Carolina.
Amos Lawrence, 4th round pick, 1981
The Chargers selected Lawrence with the No. 103 overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft but his time with the team was short-lived. That September, he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick.
He played in 21 games for the 49ers and rushed for just 55 yards in his career. Yet, he won a Super Bowl ring as part of the 49ers team that won Super Bowl XVI.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
He attempted to resurrect his career with the Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL in 1984 but was out of football following that season.
Natrone Means, 2nd round pick, 1993
Natrone Means is one of the most memorable running backs in team history and was the starting running back in the team's only Super Bowl appearance following the 1994 season. He had two separate stints with the Chargers and made the Pro Bowl in 1994.
To this day, his 3,885 rushing yards rank 7th in team history and his 34 rushing touchdowns rank sixth.
Omarion Hampton, 1st round pick, 2025
The Chargers have received varying results with the two North Carolina running backs they have drafted in the past. The hope will be that Hampton is the best by far, and he has the physical traits to be that.
MORE CHARGERS CONTENT
Chargers running back depth chart following first-round pick of Omarion Hampton
Mel Kiper loves Chargers' selection of Omarion Hampton at the expense of division rival
Omarion Hampton scouting report: What NFL Draft experts said about Chargers running back
Chargers select home-run hitter at running back with first-round selection