He accepted a football scholarship from the University of South Carolina. In 1996, he became the first freshman in school history to rush for 100-yards in consecutive games, when he posted 120 yards against the University of Florida and 135 yards with 2 touchdowns against Clemson University to close the season. In that game, Hambrick and Duce Staley, became the second duo in school history to each rush for 100 yards in the same contest. He finished with 43 carries for 281 yards (6.5-yard average) and 5 touchdowns.