CLEMSON – It did not take long for Ashton Hampton to announce himself to the Clemson fan base.

Coaches and teammates raved about Hampton’s performance throughout fall camp and the true freshman showed why in the blowout win over NC State on Saturday.

After he was flagged for a pass interference in the end zone on a Wolfpack scoring drive in the first half, Hampton would bounce right back, registering his first interception late in the third quarter and returning it 63-yards for a touchdown that put Clemson up 59-14.

“Early in the game I got a pass interference and after that play coach Swinney told me to turn my head and fine the ball,” Hampton said. “Later in the game that is what I did. Trusted my technique, kick-step, I found the ball. I seen it, made a play on it and the rest is history.”

After he secured the ball, Hampton knew he had nothing but green grass in front of him and at that point the only goal was to not get taken down before reaching the end zone.

“Don’t get tackled. Don’t get tackled,” Hampton added. “Do not get tackled. You got to score this one.”

Hampton only arrived at Clemson as a summer enrollee,, but is already taking advantage of each and every opportunity. The true freshman is attacking each and every rep as if he is playing in a game that mindset is already paying off.

“It’s really just an honor,” Hampton said. “I competed very well. Like coach Swinney says, just stacking the days. My time was going to come. My time came today and I made a play when it happened.”

A limited number of signed footballs from Clemson’s 2022 class are still available.  Get yours while supplies last!  Visit Clemson Variety & Frame or purchase online!