Patriots fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future. After a promising rookie campaign from quarterback Drake Maye in 2024, New England enters the 2025 NFL Draft with a sense of direction and stability that’s been missing in recent years.
Maye flashed all the tools that made him a top-three pick, and he now looks like the long-term answer at quarterback in Foxborough. One player who knows Maye’s game better than most is former North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton.
The two were teammates for two years in Chapel Hill, forming one of college football’s most dynamic backfield duos. Hampton, a bruising and explosive running back, is now widely expected to be a first-round pick in his own right.
Hampton recently caught up with FanSided’s Justin Fried on the Stacking the Box YouTube channel, where he offered some glowing remarks about his former quarterback. His comments are sure to fire up Patriots fans even more.
"It’s just amazing. I learned so much from [Drake Maye]. From my freshman year to my sophomore year, I just learned a lot from him. He was always there watching film and helping me out. It’s amazing to see him succeed in the league and get playing time early, just doing what he does."Omarion Hampton
Omarion Hampton praises Drake Maye's leadership at North Carolina
Hampton’s comments speak volumes about the type of teammate and leader Maye was at North Carolina. He praised Maye’s commitment to film study and his willingness to help others, even younger players like Hampton.
It’s clear the respect between the two runs deep, and Hampton isn’t surprised to see his former quarterback thriving in the NFL. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone who has followed Maye's time with the Patriots closely.
Maye was consistently lauded for his poise and maturity, earning the respect of veterans and coaches alike. Even as the Patriots endured a turbulent season, he remained a steadying presence in the locker room and on the field.
With Mike Vrabel now leading the way, there's real buzz building around the Patriots. Having Drake Maye locked in as their quarterback gives New England a legitimate reason to believe things are heading in the right direction.
Hampton likely won’t be a target for the Patriots in tonight’s draft, but his praise for Maye adds another strong endorsement of the quarterback leading the franchise's new era.
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