Jim Harbaugh invokes grandmother’s wisdom while drawing comparisons between Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton
Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers drafted RB Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. He spent his collegiate career with North Carolina and was honored as a First-Team All-American twice. Apart from him, the Chargers also brought in Pro Bowl RB Najee Harris this offseason.
With both Hampton and Harris on the depth chart, Jim Harbaugh can't complain about lacking talent in the running back room. During a press conference on Thursday, the Chargers' coach was asked if Omarion Hampton has done enough this offseason to be on par with Najee Harris.
He answered the question while using a quote from his grandmother.
"Right now as my grandmother Marie Harbaugh would say, like peas in a pod. They are two peas in a pod," Harbaugh said according to a tweet by Alex Insdorf.
Coming out of Cleveland High School, Omarion Hampton joined the North Carolina Tar Heels in 2022. He was immediately named the starting running back for the team. During his three years with the program, Hampton recorded 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns rushing for the program.
Najee Harris began his journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being drafted in the first round in 2021. In four years, he started all 68 games he played for the team.
Harris tallied a total of 4312 yards and 28 TDs passing. However, the Steelers decided not to pick up his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after last season. In March, the Chargers brought in Harris on a one-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $5.25 million.
Omarion Hampton looking forward to playing alongside Najee Harris for Jim Harbaugh's Chargers
In April, Omarion Hampton appeared on the 'Jim Rome Show' after the draft. The rookie running back talked about being a part of the Chargers' running game alongside a veteran like Najee Harris.
Hampton shared his excitement about playing alongside Najee Harris.
"We know they're going to run the ball, so I'm loving it." Hampton said. "I'm excited, we got me and Najee, a dominant duo backfield. I'm excited to learn from him, I'm excited to get out there... I feel like we're building something special here."
Jim Harbaugh took over the Chargers' head coaching job in January 2024 after winning the 2023 national championship with the Michigan Wolverines. In his debut campaign, he helped the franchise to an 11-6 record.
The Chargers qualified for the playoffs but were unfortunately eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Texans.