UT commit Aeryn Hampton talks Texas commitment, visits to other campuses

Aeryn Hampton is an early commitment for the Texas Longhorns in the 2024 class. In fact, Hampton has been an early commitment for some time, having given Texas a pledge back in February. And while the Daingerfield standout has taken a handful of other visits this spring, he maintains that he’s extremely happy with his UT commitment.

“I’m 100 percent locked in. I’m still taking some visits and enjoying the process, but they all know it. Hook’Em,” Hampton said.

The 5-11, 180-pound Hampton, who can play on either side of the ball, has even more reason to be excited about his decision now that quarterback Arch Manning has committed to Texas in the 2023 class.

“That’s great. Now I know I’ve got a quarterback,” Hampton said. “When I get to Texas, I know I’ll have a quarterback to throw me the ball. That makes me feel better about (my commitment). That makes me feel better about us winning a national championship too.”

In the spring, Hampton took unofficial visits to places like LSU, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Alabama and Texas A&M. He said he’ll likely return to Austin when the dead period ends in July.

While Texas fans would probably prefer that Hampton stays away from other campuses, the Rivals100 member says the only way he’d even consider any other options is if there was a coaching shake-up in Austin.

“They’ll make jokes about me being committed and being there,” Hampton said of the other visits. “But they all know, it’s Hook’Em. It’s just enjoying the process. I still want to go on other schools and see other schools but the only way I’d decommit is if coach Sark leaves or coach Gideon or one of those coaches leaves.”

A versatile player who can line up in the secondary or on offense, Hampton said he could see himself on the receiving end of passes from Manning.

“Texas is recruiting me as an athlete, but I’ll probably take that slot spot. I’ve got Arch now,” he said.

A one-time Baylor commitment, Hampton is now recruiting other players in his class to join him at Texas. He’s hoping they all see the vision he sees in what Steve Sarkisian and staff are building in Austin.

“Coach Sark, I know for a fact that he’s going to change the program around,” Hampton said. “Look what he did at Alabama. Then his first year here, he had a top-five recruiting class so I know we’re going to be in the top 10, top five with a national championship soon.”

A four-star prospect, Hampton checks in at No. 31 on the Rivals100.