Willie Lampkin is navigating a transitional phase in his football career as he prepares for the NFL draft. The North Carolina offensive lineman, standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 270 pounds, is exploring a new role as a potential fullback, in addition to his guard and center duties. “Oh man, it’s funny, it’s cool, you know, I never thought I would be playing or trying out to play fullback,” Lampkin expressed during his pro day.
His history at UNC and his year at Coastal Carolina have helped prepare him for this moment. A state-champion wrestler from Lakeland, Florida, Lampkin has displayed his versatility and tenacity on the offensive line. His contributions have been instrumental in Omarion Hampton’s consecutive 1,500-plus yard seasons at North Carolina. Reflecting on these experiences, Lampkin stated, “Me being versatile that helps, you know, being on the O-line and at my size, some of the coaches that I’ve talked to try out fullback as well.”
Despite not being invited to the NFL combine, Lampkin participated in the Senior Bowl, which he considered a valuable experience for engaging with NFL teams. “It was really cool, having those interviews with the 32 teams,” he said. “The competition was amazing, you know, there were so many big name guys that I got to see, got to hang around, got to play against, and that was an amazing opportunity for me.”
As he nears the draft, Lampkin is set on contributing wherever a team may need his skills. “I just want to be in the right position,” he stated. “So you know, get to the right team that will allow me to use my skill set to get further.” With his adaptable skills and focused mindset, Lampkin looks forward to making his mark in professional football.
