Ex-Randleman back Snipes embraces ‘greatest homecoming’

Ja’Quan Snipes was popular with supporters following Saturday’s game in Greensboro. (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record)

GREENSBORO – Ja’Quan Snipes put a personal twist on the Greatest Homecoming on Earth.

The former Randleman athlete was a standout for visiting Hampton in Saturday afternoon’s Coastal Athletic Association football game at Truist Stadium, cranking out key contributions.

“I have never actually been to GHOE,” Snipes said. “I’ve never been to ‘Greatest Homecoming.’ … Now I have my own.”

Snipes scored two touchdowns as the Pirates piled up a 59-17 victory against North Carolina A&T in front of a crowd of 23,016.

The timing for Snipes’ output couldn’t have been better for the redshirt running back as he returned to the region.

“Going to Randleman High School playing four years straight, it’s a special place in my heart,” he said. “I’m just glad I had my family here. For me to be able to put on a show for my teammates and my family.”

Snipes, a 215-pounder, rushed for a game-high 71 yards on eight carries – outgaining the entire Aggies team on the ground. He also caught two passes for a total of 7 yards.

Hampton coach Trent Boykin said Snipes has been coming through when needed for the Pirates (4-3 overall, 1-2 CAA).

“He had a good game a couple of weeks ago,” Boykin said. “He has stepped into that role.”

Snipes entered the game with three touchdown runs this season, but he got busy shortly after N.C. A&T burst to a 14-0 lead. Snipes scored Hampton’s first touchdown on an 18-yard run in the second quarter. His 2-yard run for the first points of the second half pushed the Pirates’ lead to 30-14.

Snipes said he had at least 23 tickets designated for family and friends for the sold-out game. The early production allowed him to settle in.

“It definitely made me more comfortable at the start,” Snipes said. “Feel loose out there, back at home.”

Snipes, 22, played as a slot receiver and running back for Randleman, where he also was on basketball and track and field teams. But as a senior on the 2019 football team, he twice suffered broken arms, so his season was limited.

“That put me back a lot,” he said. “I had the opportunity to go to Hampton when my opportunity to play college football (was in doubt) because of the injury. A lot of personal stuff I had to deal with. I’m just trying to get better every day, putting it in God’s hands.”

Hampton played a CAA game last year at Elon, but this was even closer to his high school roots.

“I’m so blessed,” he said. “I’m just so happy to be able to have this experience.”