By Bobby Narang
Former Aurora Christian High School star quarterback, Ethan Hampton, made headlines for the second time this season.
After leading Northern Illinois University to an thrilling upset victory over Notre Dame in September, Hampton shocked several people in the college football world by transferring to Illinois in late December.
The 6-foot-3 Hampton, an Elburn native, slowly worked his way up NIU’s depth chart to be named a starter this season. He led the Huskies to a 7-5 record this season, but did not play in NIU’s bowl game. He committed to Wake Forest earlier but reopened his recruiting after head coach Dave Clawson stepped down.
Hampton had a stellar career for the Huskies, helping them to two bowl games and finishing with 1,600 yards passing, 12 touchdowns and just six interceptions for a 58.3 percent completion rate this season. In his four seasons, Hampton passed for 2,568 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
In total, Hampton started in 14 games for the Huskies in his career, helping backup Rocky Lombardi early in his career. His biggest highlight was powering the Huskies to a historic road upset over the Irish, one of the remaining teams left in the College Football Playoffs. He finished 10-of-19 for 198 yards, including an 83-yard touchdown pass to running back Antario Brown in the first quarter that shocked he crowd.
Hampton heads to the Illini with two years of eligibility.
“My time in DeKalb has come to an end, but the memories will stay with me forever,” Hampton said in an online statement.
In area news, Metea Valley graduate Jalen Johnson announced he was entering the transfer portal after playing four games without a reception for the Huskies. Johnson will have three receivers of eligibility.