The ACC announced its annual All-Conference football teams on Tuesday, and six Tar Heels earned recognition. Running back Omarion Hampton and offensive lineman Willie Lampkin each earned first team spots, while Hampton also slotted in on the second team as an all-purpose player.

Defensive lineman Jahvaree Ritzie earned third team honors, and a trio of Tar Heels received honorable mention nods: linebacker Power Echol,s offensive lineman Howard Sampson and corner back Alijah Huzzie. Huzzie also earned an honorable mention nod as a specialist.

Hampton ranked second in the country this season with 1,660 rushing yards and 138.3 yards per game, which is also the second-most prolific rushing season in school history. He led all ACC rushers in attempts (281), yards, touchdowns (15), attempts per game (23.4) and yards per game. The 2024 season also saw Hampton set a school record with 2,033 all-purpose yards, breaking Don McCauley’s mark of 2,021 from 1970. Hampton and Miami quarterback Cam Ward were the top vote-getters among all players in the conference.

Lampkin, who this week also earned the ACC’s Jacobs Trophy as the top blocker in the conference, is the highest-graded guard among all major-conference offensive lineman, according to Pro Football Focus. He did not allow a sack in 473 pass-blocking snaps this season.

Ritzie put together a career-best season in 2024 with 40 tackles, nine sacks (eighth in the ACC), 6.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. The senior from Kernersville also scored his first career touchdown on an 84-yard interception return at Virginia.

The Tar Heels finished 6-6 in 2024 and will receive their bowl bid next weekend, after the conclusion of conference championship action.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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