2019 NFL Draft: Saquan Hampton looking to continue Rutgers DB tradition

Rutgers defensive back Saquan Hampton needed a clean bill of health to prove he has what it takes to play in the NFL. In 2018, he got it.

It took three long years held back by injuries, but Rutgers star defensive back Saquan Hampton finally got the chance to show what he can do with a full slate of games in the 2018 season.

Hampton, a 6-foot-1, 207 pound safety and former three-star prospect from the state of New Jersey, played just 21 games over his first three years at Rutgers. Even with a limited amount of time to make an impression, Hampton showed his value right away, earning snaps on special teams and defense as a redshirt freshman in 2015.

By his sophomore season, Hampton was the team’s starter at the free safety position and stuck in that role the remainder of his college career.

When he finally got the chance to play all 12 games in a season, Hampton showed outstanding ball skills with 16 passes defended (13 breakups, three interceptions) while adding 64 total tackles, three for a loss.

Hampton took some time earlier this offseason to chat with NFL Mocks about the journey ahead to the NFL.

Heading into his senior season, Hampton was obviously hungry to prove what he was capable of doing. He said he was focused on ‘doing the little things’ to stay healthy, and the desire to prove his doubters wrong fueled him throughout the 2018 season.

Rutgers only won one game this past year, but Hampton said he learned how to persevere throughout the season.

Despite the team’s lack of success, Hampton talked about leading the safety unit at Rutgers and challenging his teammates to go out and give everything they had every game, regardless of the ups and downs in terms of winning or losing games.

For a player to go out and produce like Hampton did this past season is absolutely critical. When a prospect can consistently bring their best on a team that isn’t winning games, it’s noteworthy to NFL scouts.

He became the leader of the Rutgers secondary and commanded the respect of his teammates by providing consistent results on the field, and proving he’s not above things like playing special teams.

As a matter of fact, Hampton knows he’s going to have to cut his teeth in the NFL in that phase of the game, and he’s going to embrace that role like he does every other one he earns.

Hampton earned an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game this offseason and will also participate in the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. If history is any indicator, he’s got a decent chance of playing for the New England Patriots at the next level all but two defensive backs to come out of Rutgers since 2009 — Jason McCourty, Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, and Logan Ryan — all played or currently play for Bill Belichick in New England.

Hampton will almost certainly be picked in this year’s Draft, and has a chance to elevate his stock to a new level with a strong performance at the Scouting Combine.

His leadership skills, persistence, toughness, ball skills, and special teams ability will all be traits that attract NFL teams. This is the perfect type of player to bring into your program and watch him grow into a valuable starter after starting out as a special teams ace.

He’s grounded and understands how to approach the game like a professional already. Hampton has a bright future ahead of him.