DAINGERFIELD, Texas – Four-star athlete Aeryn Hampton revealed his college commitment in front of several friends and family during a livestream that was aired exclusively on Rivals.com on Friday night.
Alabama and Texas were the finalists for the Rivals250 do-it-all playmaker out of East Texas. It was Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns that beat out Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide for Hampton, resulting in a bit of a full-circle moment.
Hampton initially committed to Texas back in February of 2022, flipping from Baylor. Then, he re-opened his recruitment again in November. After that, it became a two-team race for the blue chip recruit. He took note that Texas did not let up in recruiting him.
“The day that I decommitted, coach (Blake) Gideon told me that they were going to still stay on me and recruit me,” Hampton told Rivals.com. “He wanted me to make sure that when I made my decision that I was 100%. They were still still recruiting me hard.”
A three-way playmaker that has earned nearly 30 offers, Hampton can play on either side of the ball in addition to special teams. He has been recruited to play either wide receiver or defensive back on the next level thanks to his abilities at both spots.
Hampton accounted for over 1,000 yards from scrimmage and scored 15 times as a junior, including two kick returns. On defense, he intercepted nine passes and returned five of those for six, showcasing his playmaking ability.
“Coach Sark said that I’ll primarily be playing DB, but I’ll also get some plays on offense,” said Hampton. “They have a plan for me. Coach Sark has put a lot of guys into the league from different schools. He’s done it over and over.”
The four-star became very familiar with everything that Texas had to offer throughout the recruiting process. He was hosted by quarterback Maalik Murphy on his official visit and has picked the brain of starting defensive back Jahdae Barron to learn even more.
Ultimately, his comfort level in Austin and with the staff, combined with everything that the program and university has to sell, sold Hampton on his college destination. Which has given Texas another blue chip prospect in its 2024 haul.
“I feel very comfortable (at Texas). It’s the biggest brand in the land,” said Hampton. “All eyes will be on Texas. They have great academics, too. A degree from there means a lot.”
Confident in his commitment, Hampton is focused on bringing his best to the 40 Acres when his collegiate career begins. The No. 150 overall recruit in the nation has a simple message for the Longhorns.
“They’re getting a dog. Believe that,” Hampton said.
Cole Patterson, National Recruiting Analyst
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