It didn’t take long for Jerry Hampton to make his mark in his first season at Fargason Field. Early in the 1976 season, Southwestern was playing Principia. The Lynx had the ball on their own two yard line. The play came in from the sideline from Coach Dick Thorton – Blue 90 – calling for quarterback Craig Solomon to throw the football as far as he could. Solly would never admit it, but the pass was overthrown. Out of nowhere comes a streaking Jerry Hampton. Touchdown SAM! The 98 yard reception for a touchdown is still a Rhodes football record.
Jerry had great speed and was one of the strongest players on the team. He played with a great quarterback, but what made him such a great wide receiver was his feel for the game and his uncanny ability to run under passes no one else could get to. In 1977, when Southwestern compiled a 9-1-1 record, Jerry was not only the top receiver in the nation at the NCAA Division III level, but his accomplishments ranked him as one of the top receivers in all of college football. Jerry’s 19 touchdown receptions, 116 points scored, 70 receptions and 1120 yards receiving led Division III in each of those categories. He ended his career with 31 touchdown receptions, still a Rhodes record today. Perhaps what’s most amazing about Jerry’s career touchdown mark is he accomplished this feat in only 25 games and two and one-half year career.
Jerry’s 19 touchdown receptions in 1977 rank him in the NCAA record book as the 15th all-time receiver of any division for touchdown receptions in a season. After completing his career at Southwestern, he signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions in 1979.
Although Jerry is recognized for his football abilities, he was an outstanding centerfielder for the Lynx baseball team for three years and earned All College Athletic Conference honors during his senior year. Also, he was an outstanding sprinter, competing in the 100 and 220 yard dashes, as well as the 440 yard relay.
Whether it was running under a deep fly ball to centerfield or a Craig Solomon pass or, today, closing a complex business deal, Jerry Hampton has always been a winner. For his devotion to his alma mater, his teammates and coaches, and the joy he provided to Southwestern football fans, Rhodes is honored to induct GERALD MASON HAMPTON into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame, this 25th day of October, 2002.
