HAMPTON, VA (August. 4, 2023) … Hampton football coach Robert Prunty welcomed some 100 players to fall camp as the Pirates prepare for the 2023 campaign. Hampton opens the season in Harrison, N.J. at Red Bull Stadium when it entertains Grambling State on Sept. 2 in a 3:00 p.m. contest.

"I was very impressed with the great effort our players showed on the first day," Prunty said. "I thought we were locked in and excelled in both fundamentals and technique."

The team returns eight starters on offense and four on defense as Hampton's looks to improve on last year's 4-7 record in its first season in the highly-competitive Coastal Athletic Association.

The defense will be anchored by linebacker Qwahsin Townsel (6-0, 225, senior), who led the Pirates with 100 total tackles a season ago. On offense, quarterback Malcolm Mays (6-5, 195, senior) passed for 1,574 yards in 2022 with 15 TDs. Running back Darran Butts (5-10, 185, senior) led the team in rushing with 525 yards (5.0 per carry) and three scores a year ago.

The Pirates open the home portion of the schedule on Sept. 9 when Hampton takes on longtime rival Norfolk State at Armstrong Stadium.