Daylan Hampton, the Planters Bank Player of the Week, plays football not just for himself but for his entire family and community.
“One of the great things about Daylan is that he is always thinking about other people and putting others first,” Leland High School football coach Ricardo Tigler said. “Daylan wants to play his best to make other people proud.”
Hampton, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound junior, plays on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Cubs. He said he gives his best on every snap because he knows who he represents.
Hampton’s biggest fan is his father, Derrick Hampton, who two years ago suffered a stroke. There were times when the family did not know if he would survive.
But, after many months of rehabilitation, Hampton’s father is now almost 100 percent back to his old self.
The experience of almost losing a loved one put life in life in perspective, said the young football player.
“I know it has been hard for him so I just want to do my best and give him something to be proud about,” Hampton said.
Hampton has been a force all season long for the Cubs, but he had his best game of the season last Friday night in Leland’s 22-8 road victory over Coahoma County. In the victory, which earned the Cubs a berth in the MHSAA Class 2A Playoffs, Hampton registered 12 tackles and two sacks. He also recovered a fumble and returned it 20 yards.
“Daylan is still only a junior, but it has been amazing to see his growth this season,” Coach Tigler said. “The reason why he has gotten better is because he is a very coachable kid. He is willing to do whatever we ask of him in order to help his team improve.”
Coach Tigler said his team is in for a great challenge this Friday night when they travel to Pelahatchie to take on the 9-2 Chiefs in the first round of the state playoffs.
“We know we are going to face a great team, but the best thing about making the playoffs is that everybody starts the game with an 0-0 record,” Coach Tigler said. “I expect us to go out there and play hard and try to win the game.”
Coach Tigler was born and raised in Leland, and he spent the last four seasons as the head football coach at Ray Brooks High School. During that time, he led Ray Brooks to four straight state playoffs berth.
“I came back home because I see the potential of what this program can become,” Coach Tigler said. “After coaching this season, I still believe we can accomplish so many great things. We have gone through a lot of highs and lows this season, but we have shown a lot of growth, and we are still getting stronger.”
