TAKE ADVANTAGE → Get THREE Months of CST+ for just $1.00
Clemson’s defensive backfield is filled with talent and intrigue, but few Tigers are as versatile as sophomore defensive back Ashton Hampton. As fall camp opens, head coach Dabo Swinney is excited about what Hampton, the 6’2, 200-pound Tallahassee native, brings and how his flexibility can help the team adapt week to week.
Hampton, who was primarily locked in at cornerback last season, enters camp as a player who could see time at several spots in the secondary. Swinney emphasized that Hampton’s role will ultimately depend on who emerges as the best option for each game.
“Yeah, we'll see. A lot of that depends on who's the best player. We've got some questions to answer. Is it another corner that needs to be on the field? Is it another safety that needs to be on the field? Those are all questions that you figure out as you go through camp.”
Swinney made it clear that Hampton has the skill set to play all over the field, and his versatility will be a strength for the Tigers as the season unfolds.
“I mean, as a football player, Ashton can do a lot of things. There's no doubt about it; we really locked him in at corner last year. I think that's where he'll start out. That's a week-to-week thing. At the end of the day, you want to get the best players you can on the field.”
Long-term, Swinney believes Hampton’s career could follow a path similar to other Clemson DBs who have gone on to play multiple positions both in college and in the NFL.
“As far as the longevity of his career, as he goes through his career, not just here, but beyond here, I think he'll end up playing a lot of positions as he really becomes confident in the game and just continues to mature as a player. He's a unique talent.”
For now, Hampton is set to start at cornerback, but don’t be surprised if he lines up at other spots as the Tigers look to maximize their depth and flexibility in the secondary. With his athleticism and football IQ, Hampton could play a major role in the success of Clemson’s defense in 2025.
With a unique skill set, Hampton has a chance to be a difference-maker for the Tigers this season. Wherever he lines up, Swinney clearly expects big things from No. 23.
