Uncertainty surrounds Hampton University football as it heads into Saturday’s opener against Jackson State, but head coach Trenton Boykin is embracing the challenge.
The Pirates enter Boykin’s first full season after finishing 5-7 last fall, a year that started with promise, but ended with four straight losses. Only four starters return on each side of the ball, and the quarterback competition remains unresolved heading into the opener. Coming into Week 1, Boykin has been close to the vest with the QB battle, but it will either be Lincoln (Pennsylvania) University transfer Isaiah Freeman or Syracuse transfer Braden Davis.
“I like where we’re at,” he said. “We have a good mixture of old and young and kind of in between. How good will some of the young guys be in game one? I don’t know. How good will they be by week 4? Probably a lot better. We’ve got guys that have played college football. Now how do they react being the No. 1 or the No. 2 guy? That’s the difference.”
That learning curve will be tested immediately against Jackson State, a program that enters the season nationally ranked at No. 17 and favored to win the SWAC again.
“You’re playing against a historic program who has a lot of tradition,” Boykin said. “It gives your team that sense of everything — the work that we’ve put in since spring to now has paid off, and then it kickstarts you. Of course, everybody wants to win that first game because it is important, but at the same time, it’s not the end of the world, either. But of course, you want to start off 1-0 and take that program to the next step.”
Boykin is also steadier entering this season than he was a year ago, when he was elevated to interim coach in May. With the interim tag lifted, he said he’s been able to focus more on shaping the program.
“Last year, I spent more time doing administration work than X’s and O’s,” he said. “Now, because some of that foundation is already in place, I’m able to kind of do more with the X’s and O’s, which you don’t want to be too far removed from as a head coach.”
That foundation included signing 23 freshmen and bringing in 15 transfers while also refreshing the staff with three new position coaches and a new strength coach.
“I never looked at it as an interim head coach,” Boykin said. “Once they said, ‘You’re the coach,’ I just went to work, put my head down and made sure I did all the things to put this program in the up direction.”
Standouts
Ja’Quan Snipes, Gr., 6-1, 215, RB: Snipes emerged as Hampton’s top rushing threat in an injury-riddled 2024, leading the team with 595 yards and six touchdowns on 6.3 yards per carry. He delivered standout performances in key wins, including 117 yards and two scores against Howard and 106 yards with a touchdown versus Elon.
Will Hicks, R-So., 6-2, 195, DB: Hicks started the final six games of 2024 and enters this season as Hampton’s leading returning tackler with 48 stops. He added three tackles for loss, a sack and an interception, highlighted by an eight-tackle effort against Virginia Union and back-to-back seven-tackle outings against Rhode Island and Richmond. He is one of two returning DBs for the Pirates.
Hampton defensive back Will Hicks brings down William & Mary tight end Sean McElwain last season. Hicks is the Pirates’ leading returning tackler with 48 stops. (Mike Caudill/Freelance)
Cam Sturdifen, R-Jr., 6-2, 185, DB: Sturdifen played in six contests last fall, finishing with 16 tackles, including two for loss, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups. He capped the year with five solo tackles and a breakup in the season finale.
Michael Matthews-Canty, So., 6-3, 215, LB: Matthews-Canty made an immediate impact as a freshman, playing in nine games and starting the last six. He totaled 34 tackles, including six stops and a sack against Elon and a season-best seven tackles versus Villanova, cementing himself as a rising defensive anchor.
Donovan Shepard, R-Jr., 5-7, 175, RB: Shepard contributed in 11 games, emerging down the stretch as Snipes’ running mate in the backfield. He logged 231 yards and a touchdown on 56 carries, highlighted by 52 yards against Elon and 54 yards versus Richmond. He’s expected to take a jump this season.
Storylines
Boykin’s first true season: After stepping in as interim last year, coach Trenton Boykin finally gets to shape the program fully in his first official campaign. His vision and tone will set the direction moving forward, though he said it’s business as usual just like last season.
Who’s the QB?: Hampton enters 2025 without a clear starter under center. Lincoln (Pennsylvania) University transfer Isaiah Freeman or Syracuse transfer Braden Davis are the two in the running for the job, but sorting out the passing game and finding leadership at the position both remain big question marks.
A brand-new team: With only four returning starters each on offense and defense, Hampton looks vastly different. The overhaul brings fresh energy, but also raises concerns about cohesion and experience in big moments. However, players say they are closer than ever after a full offseason together.
Shaking off the slide: After a promising 5-3 start in 2024, the year ended with four straight losses. The question is whether they can build upon that strong start? Or will the slide continue?
Ground game as the anchor: Running backs Ja’Quan Snipes and Donovan Shepard will head the rushing attack this season. Both are expected to take a step forward this season with their roles more clearly defined than last season. Plus, Boykin also wants his QB, whoever that is, to be able to make plays with the ball in his hand. Establishing consistency on the ground could be the key to competitiveness.
Schedule
Aug. 30: at Jackson State, 3 p.m.
Sept. 6: vs. Elizabeth City State, 6 p.m.
Sept. 13: at North Carolina A&T, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20: vs. Howard, 4 p.m.
Sept. 27: at Elon, 2 p.m.
Oct. 4: vs. Norfolk State, 4 p.m.
Oct. 11: vs. Campbell, 2 p.m.
Oct. 18: at Villanova, 1 p.m.
Oct. 25: vs. Monmouth, 2 p.m.
Nov. 8: vs. Maine, 1 p.m.
Nov. 15: vs. William & Mary, 1 p.m.
Nov. 22: at Rhode Island, 1 p.m.
