It’s been anything but a smooth journey for the Dickinson, Tex, running back who feels that his final destination will be worth the treacherous road he had to endure so far. Arizona State is one of those possibilities that lie ahead for the junior college transfer who’s eager to showcase his skills at the next level.
The 5-9 187 Krysten (pronounced Christian) Hammon has been recruited out of Dickinson High School by current Arizona State’s running backs coach, John Simon. The running back is also close with wide receiver John Humphrey, who transferred into the Sun Devil program this year.
“Coach Simon recruited me out of high school,” Hammon said. “I ended up going to Georgia State because I didn't qualify but we stayed in touch. I left Georgia State after I played my freshman year because I didn't feel like I meshed there. I went to a junior college and get my AA degree. So I told coach Simon I’m back on the market and I talked to coach Lindsey the other day.”
Hammon was First-Team All-District at the 5A level in Texas, as he collected nearly 2,000 yards as a senior, including a game where he rushed for 459 yards on 31 carries and scored five touchdowns.
At Georgia State he was then the first freshman in school history to rush for a 100 yards, and also set a school record with 25 carries.
“I went to ASA College and then I was hearing from a lot of colleges,” Hammon stated. “I would've messed up my credits if I stayed. They were only taking a few of my classes. I wouldn't have graduated until next August because they are on trimesters. If I left and got my AA elsewhere then I would only need 12 hours and would have my AA in December.”
Hammon is finishing up his studies at San Jacinto College and is a 2 for 2 player in terms of eligibility.
Hammon claims offers from Kansas, Hawaii, and Texas Tech, and added that Penn State, North Carolina, UCLA, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, and San Diego State have all shown interest. The running back is expecting some of those schools to have in-home visits with him next week.
“Arizona State hasn’t offered yet,” Hammon said. “I’d like to play there with my friend John Humphrey. We grew up together and played in the same district in high school. I just hope that things work out for me to play there. John told me that I can definitely help the team there. He told me that the academics are great, and the environment is great. Because I have my best friend there that gives them an advantage over everyone.
“My talent was never the question. I’m ready to lead by example. I have something to prove. I’m a very explosive player that runs through players and around players and I can catch the ball well. I know coach Simon and coach Lindsey can help me be the best player I can be. John told me that the coaches there are great. I know if I come there I have to work hard and it’s going to be a beautiful thing when good things are going to happen.”
December 14th marks the first day where mid-year transfers such as Hammon can sign with the school of their choice, and that signing period runs until January 15, 2017. Currently, Hammon is unsure whether he will sign in two weeks or elect to ink his name only in January.
“I’m not going to be pressured or rushed to make a decision I’m not 100 percent convinced,” Hammon explained. “I did that once out of high school and I don’t want to make that same mistake again. So when I get that mutual feeling between me and the coaches and be sure that this is something I really want to do, I’ll make my move then.
“Going to a school with a good coaching staff is the most important. I’m looking for a good environment, where I can be focused and dialed in. I’m looking for good academics and good teammates because these guys will be my brothers.”
