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Starting cornerback Ashton Hampton, who was named a Freshman All-America in 2024, has 24 tackles, four pass breakups, and an interception on the season. But like most players on the Clemson defense, he hasn’t been as consistent, which has led to them allowing 228 passing yards per game.
The Tigers head into the Duke game off a bye week, sitting at 3–4, reeling from a 35–24 home loss to SMU that further dimmed their preseason hopes of competing for a national title—or a conference title, for that matter. This group is just hoping to muster a bowl game at this point.
Clemson now has another week to prepare for a Duke passing attack that ranks No. 4 in the country, led by quarterback Darian Mensah, who sits 14th nationally in passing efficiency.
Hampton didn’t use the break as an excuse to take his foot off the gas. The sophomore has made self-evaluation a key part of his preparation as Clemson looks to regroup for the final stretch of the season.
“I try to make sure I watch film every day,” Hampton said last week. “I study every receiver, every play in the upcoming week. I grade myself and my technique from last game. I’ll watch all my technique. I’ll look at things that I did well and things that I haven’t done well. And I just go play by play and see what my coaches said, and make sure I’m taking those notes and applying them.”
Clemson began the year ranked No. 4 and viewed as a playoff contender, but after seven games, the Tigers find themselves trying to salvage pride and momentum. Hampton said that even though championship goals are gone, the team’s motivation remains rooted in its pride and tradition.
“At this point, we’re fighting for ourselves and Clemson,” Hampton said. “Clemson is a great program that’s had a history of great players, great teams, great coaches, and a lot of things like that. So, at the end of the day, we’re really fighting for Clemson, the fans in the stands.”
That pride still fuels the locker room. Even without the national spotlight, Hampton said the motivation within the program hasn’t wavered.
“We’re fighting for our name on the back of our jerseys, the name on the front of our jerseys, as something that we really pride ourselves in for these next five to six games,” he said.
Experiencing a losing season is a new challenge for Hampton, but he said the team’s veterans have played a major role in helping the younger players keep their heads up.
“For a guy like me who’s never been through something like this, they’re really helping keep my spirits up,” Hampton said. “Guys like Tristan Leigh, that’s a leader right there. When I first came in, he always looked out for me and said if I ever need anything to come talk to him.”
He also pointed to quarterback Cade Klubnik as a source of steady leadership during a turbulent stretch.
“They’re staying motivated," the Tallahassee, FL native said of his veteran teammates including Klubnik, who did not play against SMU due to an ankle injury. "Anytime I see them in the building they’re always happy, it’s the same person, whether 3-4 or 7-0. So that’s something that’s really stuck with me. I’m going to always remember that.”
Despite the adversity, Hampton continues to show the competitive fire that made him a breakout player as a freshman. Against SMU, he posted six tackles, including two jarring hits, and broke up two passes.
That attitude, he said, won’t change no matter the circumstances.
“I'm a competitor,” Hampton stated. “I'm gonna compete at the end of the day, whether we're down by a couple of points or winning. I'll make sure I'm competing. I'm giving it my all in whatever I do and quitting is something that's not in me. So, I'll make sure I continue to fight for Clemson, fight for myself, my parents, my family, my teammates, [and] the seniors who won't get this opportunity back. That's something I'll make sure I do and continue to fight for them.”
Clemson may no longer be chasing championships this season, but Hampton’s message is clear — the fight isn’t over.
