Ashton Hampton, with commit decision looming, says Florida Gators are ‘program on the rise’
With his commitment reveal set for Saturday, 3-star Tallahassee (Fla.) University School defensive back Ashton Hampton said Florida remains very much in the hunt.
“Coach (Austin) Armstrong) hits me up pretty much every day and I talk to him,” Hampton said. “And Billy Napier is a great coach. It’s a program on the rise. They should be winning here pretty soon.”
Hampton, listed at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, is the No. 32 athlete in the country according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Florida, Arkansas, Clemson, Florida State and Louisville are the finalists in his recruitment. He has officially visited all but FSU.
According to Hampton, the Gators like him primarily at corner but could see him playing multiple spots.
“(Armstrong) says I can come in and play anywhere at DB, and that I’m very smart, versatile,” Hampton said. “He says I can play corner, safety, nickel. Me personally, I feel like I’m a really good corner. There’s not many long DBs like me. You’re seeing like the start of a new wave of 6-2 corners the can run, play press. All that.”
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Hampton said he also communicates with Florida secondary coach Corey Raymond.
“He’s coached a lot of great DBs,” Hampton said.
Hampton officially visited the Gators last month
Hampton’s official visit to Florida in June was trip No. 2 for him to Gainesville. He liked that it gave him the chance to “talk to the players and interact with them.”
Overall, the Gators seem to have made a good impression.
“The best part (about Florida) I would say is the coaching staff,” Hampton said. “And being able to come in and set their standard. Florida has done a really good job recruiting me. They talk to me every day and tell me I’m a priority.”
Clemson is the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favorite. Hampton’s father played with Tigers secondary coach (Mike) Reed in NFL Europe. He has visited Clemson twice.
“The family environment (stands out),” Hampton said. “The coaching staff has been there a long time. They’re always winning. They have great players, great DBs. And it’s a great atmosphere.”
Hampton said he is unsure what time he will announce his commitment Saturday. He plans to inform all the schools involved of his decision Friday.
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