Troy QB Hampton puts hit by FAU behind

TROY — Jamie Hampton was riding high on campus, having established himself as Troy’s starting quarterback as just a 19-year-old sophomore.

Then, in Troy’s fifth game last year, it came crashing down. Hampton took a hit from Florida Atlantic’s Robert St. Clair, tearing two ligaments in his left knee and suffering damage to his kneecap and cartilage, ending his season in that game, a 30-17 win over the Owls.

Troy (7-3, 6-0 Sun Belt) hosts FAU (3-6, 3-2) Saturday at 3:15 p.m. Hampton said he’s matured since the injury. He’s redshirting this year and will compete again for the starting quarterback spot in a battle that could begin during bowl practice if Troy is playing in a bowl this year.

“I really try not to dwell on it too much,” Hampton said. “I think it’s worked out good for me personally. You’re the head honcho and you get knocked off and brought back down to life. I’ve matured through it and look at it as a positive instead of a negative.”

But what happened after Hampton’s injury sparked debate. Wideout Kennard Burton, a senior last year, said the following week, “I feel it was a dirty play because he was defenseless and the guy ran into his knee. They were celebrating after he hurt it, saying he was out for the season.” Center Danny Franks, a senior this year, echoed his comments.

That, plus the fact FAU beat Troy in 2007 to end the Trojans’ season, has amped up the rivalry between the schools. With a win Saturday, Troy would clinch at least a share of a fourth straight league title. FAU must win out to be 6-6 and have a chance at a bowl.

“Yeah, they were (talking after the hit),” Troy wideout Jerrel Jernigan said. “It really pissed us off. Nobody’s mentioned anything about that, but I’m pretty sure some of their players talk about it. I’m sure we’ll have some jawing going during the game.”

Hampton and others dismissed the talk about jawing after the play or anything about the hit.

“Some people thought it might have been a cheap shot, but I’m sure the guy was trying to make a play,” Hampton said. “It happens in football, so you take it and keep going.”

Said head coach Larry Blakeney, “Moot point, brother. Our guy got hurt at their place, period. We’ve got to deal with (football) as (football) is not very friendly sometimes to some individuals that get injured. I’m just glad that Jamie’s well and improving and is going to try to be ready to play next year.”

Hampton has been working with the scout team and preparing for game action if Troy’s top two quarterbacks, Levi Brown and Dantavious Parker, were to get hurt, but after 10 games, it’s likely the redshirt will stay on. He doesn’t have to wear a knee brace anymore, and his lateral cutting ability has gotten better.

“I’ve gotten to where I can run really good straight and I feel more comfortable going lateral,” Hampton said. “That was a big step, too, because a lot of it’s in your head.

“The redshirt year was the best thing for me. More than anything, just by watching film, I feel like I’ve really matured a lot reading coverage. Hopefully I can carry that over to the spring and compete again.”

Hampton will compete with Parker, freshman Corey Robinson, who is redshirting this year, and junior college commit Greg Jenkins, who would enroll in January if he signs with the Trojans.

“It’s good that we finish our regular season a little bit earlier this year,” offensive coordinator Neal Brown said. “If we can get to a bowl, it gives us an extra week to start the competition. (Hampton is) bigger than he was. He’ll be as good or better than he was.”