Gardner-Webb graduate quarterback Nate Hampton delivered one of the most remarkable performances in program history, earning NC Football News Offensive Player of the Week honors. Hampton was also recognized nationally as the Stats Perform FCS Offensive Player of the Week and by the OVC/Big South after leading the Runnin’ Bulldogs to a record-setting rally at No. 18 Western Carolina.
The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Liberty transfer accounted for 395 yards of total offense and six touchdowns in Saturday’s 52-45 comeback victory. After Gardner-Webb fell behind 35-7 in the second quarter, Hampton took over, throwing for 263 yards and two touchdowns while rushing 28 times for 132 yards and four more scores.
Hampton’s legs proved decisive in the fourth quarter, when he scored on runs of 16, 7 and 26 yards to help the Bulldogs outscore the Catamounts 24-3 down the stretch. His final touchdown with 1:48 remaining sealed the largest comeback win in school history and the program’s first road victory over a ranked opponent since 2016.
About Nate Hampton
- Position: Quarterback
- Class: Graduate Student
- Height/Weight: 6-6, 240 lbs
- Hometown: Advance, N.C. (Davie County HS)
- Background: Spent four seasons at Liberty before transferring to GWU. Rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals coming out of Davie County. Received offers from more than 20 programs, including Appalachian State, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Kentucky, Vanderbilt and West Virginia.
- High School: Passed for 3,300 yards and 22 TDs as a senior at Davie County while rushing for 427 yards and 10 more scores.
Hampton’s breakout performance not only rewrote Gardner-Webb’s record books but also positioned him as one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the FCS this season. Stats Perform noted that his GWU debut eclipsed his entire college career yardage while at Liberty.
Honorable Mention – Offensive Performances Across North Carolina
There were many names to choose from after stellar week of games by a host of North Carolina college football standouts. The season looks bright across our state.
Quarterbacks
- Darian Mensah, Duke – Completed 27 of 34 for 389 yards and 3 TDs in a 45-17 win over Elon.
- AJ Swann, Appalachian State – Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week after passing for 368 yards and 3 TDs in a 34-11 win over Charlotte.
- Katin Houser, East Carolina – Went 30 of 44 for 366 yards in a close 24-17 loss at NC State.
- Maurice Smith, Chowan – Conference Carolinas Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 287 yards, 1 TD, plus a receiving score in win over ECSU.
Running Backs
- Kevin Lalin, Catawba – Rushed 15 times for 132 yards (8.8 avg) in 45-13 win over Ferrum.
- Quasean Holmes, Gardner-Webb – Exploded for 120 yards on 13 carries (8.9 avg) and a TD in the comeback at Western Carolina.
- Rashod Dubinion, Appalachian State – Posted 111 rushing yards and a TD in win over Charlotte.
- Patrick Boyd, Western Carolina – Overshadowed by GWU’s big comeback, Boyd led the state in rushing yards in week 1 (145 yards, 1 TD, 70-yard burst).
Wide Receivers
- Brian Lane, Johnson C. Smith – Averaged 27.2 yards per catch with 163 receiving yards vs Morehouse.
- Jaden Barnes, Appalachian State – Hauled in 134 receiving yards in Charlotte win.
- Wesley Grimes, NC State – Big-play threat with 117 yards (30.3 avg) vs ECU.
- Cooper Barkate, Duke – Added 121 receiving yards in Elon victory.
👉 Check out the NC Football News Awards Hub to see past winners and honorees in all categories. Give us your feedback on our weekly awards – what we got right, who we missed – on our NC Football News’ X/Twitter channel
