Hampton Clarkson back on the right track in athletics and life

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The name was unmistakable. How many Hampton Clarksons could there be?

The Hampton Clarkson on the TV screen was scoring touchdowns for Westfield (Mass.) State. In fact, he was scoring the final two touchdowns, the winning touchdowns, in the Owls’ ECAC North conference championship game against Curry of Milton, Mass.

He turned out to be that Hampton Clarkson. The one who starred at Bangor High School. Who went on to UMaine. But then all but disappeared.

In fact, when all of the above was mentioned to people who follow such things, the response was, “Oh, so that’s where he ended up.”

When last seen, Clarkson was at Maine – a freshman hoping to break into the lineup quicker than most thought he could.

He loves football. It has been his life, starting with service as a ball boy for the Bangor Rams, while his brother, Kaleem, played defensive end for the team.

Then it was his turn. And “Doobie” ran wild. A punishing back, Clarkson won the hearts of Bangor football fans.

“He’s one of my all-time favorite players,” Bangor coach Mark Hackett said.

But things at Maine didn’t work out. Clarkson, at 20, shows maturity far beyond his years when he talks about the Maine situation.

“I got suspended from the team. I was partying too much, being irresponsible. I was young, making bad decisions,” Clarkson said.

Clarkson returned from the suspension hoping to make things right. He thought he was doing OK but got the feeling the coaches didn’t agree.

“I thought I was making more progress than evidently I was. I didn’t have the greatest of reputations. I had had some trouble. I hope there’s no bad feelings with coach [Jack] Cosgrove. I just needed to grow up some. I hit rock bottom. I didn’t know where to turn.”

But Clarkson had a support group in his family. He moved to Massachusetts and shared an apartment with Kaleem, who played for Westfield State.

“Coach Cosgrove was great about it. He arranged the transfer without any complications,” Clarkson said.

For the record, Hampton Clarkson carried the ball 46 times for 218 yards and four touchdowns this football season. The biggest two TDs, of course, coming against Curry. He downplays his role in the comeback.

“It was kind of a scare. We were down 20. Then we started to make things happen. They were expecting us to throw, and any back that was in there could have made those plays,” Clarkson said.

Maybe. But the touchdowns were also a vindication of sorts for the 6-foot, 205-pound sophomore.

“Yeah, it was a storybook ending. I ran off the field into the locker room and cried,” Clarkson said. “It made me realize I still have a little bit of talent.”

But it never really was about talent, not as far as former Bangor coach Gabby Price is concerned.

“Not every place is for everyone. But this shows there are options. He’s found a place he’s comfortable with. We’re just so happy for him. We’re certainly proud,” Price said.

Pride, it turns out, goes both ways. Clarkson is more eager to talk about the Rams state championship than about himself.

“He’s not too bad, eh,” Clarkson said of Hackett. “State champs in his first year. He and coach Price taught me what life is all about. I try to carry with me the principles.”

He talked about how special the state championship is for the 2001 Bangor Rams and that winning the title carries even more significance than the players may realize.

“I just want to say congratulations to the Bangor football team. It’s been a long time coming. Those players have to understand what it means; who came before them. John Tennett, maybe the best player in Bangor history, never got to play for a state championship. It’s something I never got to do. It’s just incredible.”

Clarkson is already preparing for next football season. He is working in a weight program – “I took what I learned at Maine and put them to work for me here” – and is considering running track. He certainly won’t be lacking motivation. Kaleem holds the conference record for a fumble-recovery return for a touchdown with a 97-yarder.

“He’s very competitive,” Clarkson said with a laugh. “A day doesn’t go by that he doesn’t remind me about it.”

And he’s looking forward to a football trip that will bring him close to home.

“We play at Maine Maritime [in Castine] next year. My brother always had great games against Maine Maritime. I can’t wait for that. I expect to be a starter,” he said and then paused, expressing doubt as to how that statement sounded.

“We’ll see how it goes. We have three good running backs coming back,” Clarkson said.

One for sure.

Don Perryman can be reached at 990-8045 or dperryman@bangordailynews.net