MUS’ Hampton signs with LSU
Maurice Hampton coolly strode to the signing table at Memphis University School decked out in a grey suit, purple tie and a visor emblazoned with “LSU” on it, signaling his college decision.
On the surface, there was little surprise as he picked the school he has been committed to since July 2016. But as recently as last week, the four-star cornerback was wrestling with a late push from Auburn that forced him to think deeply about his decision.
“Auburn made a strong push at the end, but I still knew where my heart was. It was Baton Rouge,” Hampton said.
Signing is just the beginning for Maurice Hampton
The first of two major decisions for Maurice Hampton is out of the way. He knows where he will attend college.
Now the question is: Will the outfielder who ranked as one of the top-50 major league draft prospects in the country actually step foot on campus?
“We know where he’s projected, and the only thing I tell him to do is to have fun and let it happen. If it’s life-changing, then it’s a different story. If not, then he’ll go play ball at LSU,” said his father, Maurice Hampton Sr.
The 6-foot, 205pound senior is one of just four players, including Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray, to be selected as an Under Armour All-american in both football and baseball. Hampton said that he has discussed his plans with his family and the LSU coaching staff.
He plans to play both sports in college.
But for now, he is focused on his upcoming baseball season with MUS.
“The draft is about four or five months away. I’m still going to take it day by day and enjoy my senior year and my senior season,” Hampton said.
Why Maurice Hampton ‘never budged’ from LSU
Hampton stuck by his commitment for nearly three years, and a big part of that reason was the trust that he built with the LSU coaching staff. Last year, he was up front in telling them that he wanted to look at other schools.
“I told him once we were there we had to be loyal, and if you weren’t loyal, you had to go back and tell them and start the process over. And I said, ‘That’s a hard thing to do, ‘” Hampton Sr. said. “So he asked the coaches about a year ago to let him look around at other schools and they gave him the autonomy to let him do it. I think that was a big thing in the process for them to say go out and look, Mo, and then come back and tell us if this is the right decision.”
Hampton took official visits to Auburn and Florida and saved his LSU visit for last. He never changed his commitment.
“Commitment means a lot to me. I’ve been committed for three years and I never budged, so when I say I’m going to do something, it gets done,” Hampton said.
MUS coach Bobby Alston said Hampton “is not a guy who is wishy-washy.”
“He has a plan and he executes the plan,” Alston said. “For a young man who technically (will) still be in the 10th grade based on how young he is, he shows a remarkable maturity about him.”
It was a memorable senior season for Hampton as he led MUS to a DII-AAA state title game appearance.
He was the Owls’ most productive receiver with 12 touchdown receptions.
His offensive production combined with his defensive efforts earned him the DII-AAA Mr. Football award.
“Basically all I can say is that I personally feel very blessed that I have had the opportunity to work with this young man and his family,” Alston said.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for a coach to work with someone like him, and its been a fun six years.”