SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A year ago, Josh Hampton was preparing to start his senior season as the star of the[more] Bryant High School football team. Today, he’s preparing for his first college game with the Missouri State Bears, which, as it turns out, he may start as a true freshman.
The Bears open the 2011 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, against the University of Arkansas Razorbacks at Reynolds-Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Bryant head coach Paul Calley reports that Hampton called recently.
“He said you know how you always told us that you’re only a play away from starting?” Calley said. “Well, Missouri State’s starting defensive end broke his wrist and now Josh is working with the first team.”
On the Missouri State website, here’s the synopsis on Hampton:
“Expectations are high for this powerful and speedy defensive lineman as he begins his first season of college football, pushing for time at left defensive end.
“High School: Led Coach Paul Calley ‘s Hornets to a 9-3 record in 2010 … Has 4.7 speed and was a two-time Class 7All-state selection and three-year starter … Earned Class 7A Central all-conference honors twice and tallied 104 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 7 pass break-ups and scored 5 touchdowns as a senior in 2010 … Was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Super team and was named Vype Defensive Player of the year … Hornets were 8-3 his junior year and 9-2 during his sophomore campaign … Was named an Arkansas Super Sophomore in 2008.
“Personal: Joshua Martin Hampton was born 4/14/93 in Little Rock, Ark. … Son of Dwayne and Barbara Jewell of Benton, Ark. … Has a brother, Timothy … Plans on majoring in Mathematics.”
