The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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AUGUST 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 49 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY ALLEN TRIEU M ichigan received a commitment from Grand Rapids (Mich.) Ke- n owa H i l l s r u n n i n g ba c k L u n d o n Hampton on May 21. Hampton an- nounced at a ceremony at his school after telling the coaching staff earlier in the week. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Hampton was recruited by programs at a variety of positions, including safety, nickel, linebacker and running back. The Wol- verines see him as a running back, and position coach Tony Alford handled his recruitment. Hampton and his family pointed to Alford's development history, the num- ber of players he has helped reach the pros, and his general approach to re- cruiting Hampton as factors that made the difference. "I feel like they cross all the boxes," Hampton said. "They have what I'm looking for with opportunity and devel- opment. I wanted to be developed as a running back, and I feel like they can do it the best with Coach Alford. I just feel like he's the best fit for me. His blueprint — he knows how to get people to the next level, and then he knows what it takes." The academic opportunities at Mich- igan also played a large role. "It's big because if anything ever goes wrong, I can lean back on that and then just start my life from there," he said. Hampton had Michigan at the top of his list for several weeks prior to his announcement, but he took an official visit to Iowa and also considered Michi- gan State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Kansas, Penn State, Kentucky and others. "I've been sitting on it a little bit, just checking all the schools out to make sure it's the right fit for me, and I just did my research on everybody, and I felt like it was the right fit for me," Hampton said. He now joins a running back class at Michigan that includes Tyson Robin- son out of Mississippi. Both backs have known that the plan would be to take two. "They have been upfront. They're just saying the best man will play," Hampton said. Hampton started playing football at 4 years old. He was taken under the wing of his cousin, Khari Willis, who played for Michigan State and later in the NFL. Willis was with Hampton when he called Michigan and committed. It may be the rival school of his alma mater, but this was a family matter. "He was up there with us, and he was happy for me," Hampton said. "He just said, 'Go, Goose [Willis' nickname for Hampton].' Growing up, I always liked Michigan, but then once Khari went to Michigan State, it shifted a little bit be- cause of him, but I always liked Michigan growing up." Hampton called the day "a dream come true," but added that he knows it is only the beginning and he will continue to work toward his other goals. With a hectic recruitment full of long hours on the road finished, his attention now turns to Kenowa Hills' season. The Knights have a strong team returning. After two straight playoff appearances, their goals are to advance further toward high school football's ultimate stage. "The big goal is to win a state cham- pionship," Hampton said. "Some of my personal goals are to break a few more school records and then be a finalist for Mr. Football." ❑ Development, Academics Led Athlete Lundon Hampton To Michigan PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: It will be fascinating to follow Lundon Hampton's college career because he was recruited at several positions by major schools, including safety/nickel, linebacker, and running back, while also returning punts/kicks in high school. Has great size at 6-foot-2 and carries his 200-plus pounds very well. Positive reviews from his high school coaches and trainers about his work ethic and character. As a running back, he has a subtle ability to make defenders miss. Agile with the ability to sidestep defenders, but size also allows him to get through arm tackles. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: No verified speed times, but breaks some long runs, is a long strider and shows burst and acceleration when he needs to pull away or get the corner. Can catch the ball out of the backfield. On the to-do list for college is being able to focus in and learn one position, which will include pass pro if he's at running back, and keep adding to his top-end speed. PLAYER COMPARISON: Lundon's running style has drawn many comparisons to Chris Perry. That popped into my head right away, and I was reluctant to comp him to a first- round pick. Then, multiple former Michigan players and coaches said the same thing after watching his tape. I see a little Hasaan Haskins as well. In a different sense, I point to Kalel Mullings and Wisconsin's Braelon Allen as successful Big Ten backs who other colleges had wrongfully slotted as defensive recruits. — Rivals national analyst Allen Trieu Hampton, a three-star prospect and the nation's No. 29 athlete from Grand Rapids (Mich.) Kenowa Hills, will be a running back at Michigan. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS