Is it his time?
Aurora Christian product Ethan Hampton definitely thinks so. But if there’s one thing the redshirt junior quarterback has learned in three years at Northern Illinois, nothing is given at the next level.
Veteran Rocky Lombardi — finally — has moved on, signing as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals.
That appears to leave the 6-foot-3 Hampton, who grew up in Elburn, as the frontrunner among five candidates in looking to emerge as the 2024 starter for the Huskies.
We’ll see.
“I’m just trying to put myself in position to be the starter this fall,” Hampton said. “That started back in January with me trying to be consistent, being the same person every day.
“It’s been an awesome ride so far, stepping into, hopefully, a starting role. I couldn’t be happier with the progress we’ve made as an offense and team as a whole.”
With 33 seniors on the roster, NIU coach Thomas Hammock appears to have a much-improved team that from 2023, when the Huskies (7-6) finished with a 21-19 win over Arkansas State in the Camellia Bowl.
“I love Ethan Hampton,” Hammock said. “He’s the epitome of our program — from a young guy that came in and has developed as a player, man and leader. He put the work in to put himself in position to be successful, and hopefully, it works out for him.”
Hampton has experienced all of college football’s recent upheaval, highlighted by the pandemic, the growth of the transfer portal and the influence of name, image and likeness.
Graduating early from high school cost Hampton his senior season, which was delayed until spring due to the pandemic.
Then he was behind Lombardi, a Michigan State transfer whose extended college career included redshirt, pandemic-waived and medical redshirt seasons.
“I pushed Rocky to be better and vice versa,” Hampton said, adding with a smile, “just because I’m five years younger, I didn’t try to make it any easier on him.
“I’m obviously joking. Rocky is one of my best friends. You want to bring out the best in everyone, which makes the team better. In this new role, I want everyone to do that to me. I’ll push them as well.”
Hampton, now at 220 pounds, has grown a lot in DeKalb.
“Looking back, my freshman year, I was definitely not ready to play at the FBS level, so bringing Rocky in was a blessing,” Hampton said. “I was undersized for one, 189 pounds when I got here.
“Also, you see so many different things from a college defense you don’t see in high school, especially a small high school. A lot of coverages, blitzes, and the playbook is more complex.”
Aurora Christian quarterback Ethan Hampton fires a pass against Lena-Winslow in a playoff game on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. (Jon Cunningham / The Beacon-News)
Roommates the past couple years along with Justin Lynch, who has moved to running back, Lombardi and Hampton both worked with New Jersey-based quarterback coach Tony Racioppi. They were encouraged by NIU quarterbacks coach Eric Eidsness and Hammock.
“We’ve gotten together several times a year and he’s helped me clean up my form a lot, made me a better passer,” Hampton said of Racioppi. “The big thing has been controlling my feet, staying back and just being a rotational thrower.”
Eidsness said Racioppi has an excellent track record of getting quarterbacks he’s worked with drafted by or signed with teams in the NFL.
“I think he’s like 11-for-11 over the past two seasons with guys he’s worked with,” Eidsness said. “And Ethan is a lot different than when he got here. The growth has been tremendous, and he’s done a good job from a leadership standpoint, too.
“You’ll hear coaches says players lead by example, but you have to open your mouth sometimes, too. Especially at that position, guys have to hear from you.”
While he played for Aurora Christian coach David Beebe, Hampton has also done speed training since sixth grade with Aurora University coach Don Beebe, the former NFL receiver.
Hammock said Hampton has a strong arm and can make all the throws.
Hampton saw action in two games his redshirt season, taking over for Lombardi in his second year and throwing for 798 yards and seven touchdowns in four games that included three starts before going down with an injury. He saw reserve duty in four games last season.
“He was quiet yet reserved when he first game here,” Hammock said. “Now, he’s unafraid to step up and say something when it needs to be said. He’s found his voice and holds guys accountable. He never took a back seat to Rocky, which you appreciate. He competed.
“And I love his approach and mindset. He’s had an excellent offseason, knows the offense and puts in the extra work. He’s in a battle with a couple guys. It’s old school. Best man wins the job.”
This time, Hampton’s timing might be right.
