Former South Carolina defensive back Victor Hampton confused a lot of people when he decided to forego his senior year and declare for the 2014 NFL Draft. Many thought he was not quite ready, and that another year with the Gamecocks would be very beneficial to him, as well as the program.
Hampton had a “bad boy” reputation, dating back to his high school days. Before his senior year, he was dismissed from the Independence High School (Charlotte, NC) football team. He moved to Darlington, SC to play his senior year at Darlington High.
He went on to South Carolina, and proved to be a standout for three years. He played in 36 games in three years, including setting career highs in tackles (51), tackles for loss (5), interceptions (3) and pass break ups (9) his junior year.
Hampton went undrafted in the 2014 draft. He was involved in a scuffle in New York City before the draft with former South Carolina teammate Chaz Sutton (also undrafted). Charges were later dropped, but with his reputation, teams were hesitant.
Hampton was picked up before training camp by the Cincinnati Bengals, before being cut before camp broke. He was out of football until Oct. 14, when he was signed to the New York Giants practice squad.
He took to Instagram to share the exciting news.
“Never lost the faith the G-men came back and got ya Boi toughest battle to his toughest soldiers #SUPERBLESSED,” the post read.
*Section Photo credit to Frederick Breedon, Getty Images; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
