Walk-on no more: SDSU’s Xavier Hamlett ‘so thankful’ for scholarship

San Diego State concludes football practice each morning with the same James Brown song playing over the speakers.

”I feel good,” Brown bellows.

When the song ended Friday, SDSU coach Sean Lewis delivered a feel-good moment of his own.

Lewis brought the team together, called walk-on cornerback Xavier Hamlett to the front of the group and announced that the senior from Lincoln High School was being awarded a scholarship.

A loud cheer erupted for a player who is popular among his peers, with an ever-present smile, upbeat personality and eagerness to help others despite his own challenges.

“X is a great young man who has had an incredible journey,” Lewis said later. “The way he has worked and sacrificed to earn this scholarship is a true test of his character and the transformational power of football.”

The Aztecs had a scholarship unexpectedly become available at the start of camp, when redshirt freshman wide receiver Heath McRee left the team.

Hamlett was visibly emotional as he spoke after practice about receiving the scholarship, which is worth nearly $35,000 a year

“I still don’t know to react,” Hamlett said. “It just feels like a movie right now. I’m just so thankful to be here right now and so glad to be a part of this family. They really do care.”

Hamlett recently went to cornerbacks coach Demetrius Sumler about some financial struggles he was experiencing. They then went to Lewis to explain the situation.

“I just let him know, like, ‘Hey, I’m going through it,’ ” Hamlett said.

Hamlett said Lewis told him, “Yeah, we love you and we’ve got you. As long as you’ve got our back, we’ve got your back.”

“I didn’t think I was going to get a scholarship,” Hamlett said. “I was really not expecting this.”

Hamlett’s biggest impact to this point has been off the field, where he has spearheaded outreach efforts to the homeless. Several teammates have assisted him, joining Hamlett on multiple trips downtown to hand out food, water and other necessities.

“What drives me to make a difference is seeing so many people struggle,” Hamlett told the Union-Tribune in February. “It truly breaks my heart. Helping others has always come naturally to me. Every time I’ve given to the homeless, I’ve seen how much even small gestures, like a meal or a genuine conversation, can mean.

“Many share how they feel invisible or looked down on, and a simple act of kindness can make all the difference. After reflecting and talking with God, I realized football is my gift, but my true purpose is to help others and make a positive impact on the world.”

Hamlett played two years at Grossmont College before transferring to SDSU. He did not appear in any games in 2023, but played in 11 of 12 contests last season, primarily on special teams. He is expected to see some action at cornerback this season in a reserve role.

“X has done everything we’ve asked of him and more,” SDSU defensive coordinator Rob Aurich said. “He’s great in the community. All the stuff he’s done, helping the homeless.

“But what he’s done on the football field earned that scholarship. Really, really proud of him. Really, really happy for the kid. It’s good when good things happen to great people.”

Aurich credited Sumler’s work with Hamlett the past two seasons for helping develop the player into someone who can make an impact this season.

“One thing I’ve really noticed from him,” Aurich said, “is he’s really confident within the scheme right now. When he sees the break of the receiver, he’s decisive, he’s quick and it’s showing up through the first four days of camp.”

Hamlett shared during a conversation last season how he understands more than most about the homeless situation.

“I’ve had my ups and downs,” he said. “I was staying in my car a little bit.”

He has persevered through it all.

“I made a promise to my sister after she passed away that I was never going to quit,” he said. “Regardless of where I am on the depth chart or in life, I’m not going to quit. I couldn’t backtrack on that.”

Hamlett, who will graduate at the end of this school year, plans to start a nonprofit to continue doing what he’s been doing on a larger scale.

“I’ve got a few things lined up that are going to be big,” he said. “I think that’s where I want to go down the road.”

Hamlett shares updates and content on Instagram (@BoogsHeart) and YouTube (@BoogsHeart).

“When we’re helping people, it brings us closer,” said Hamlett, referencing his teammates’ involvement. “You see people’s colors and realize it’s bigger than football. Even before I got here, my goal was to give back to the community. I never thought about it like I was going to get something in return. That’s what I want to do with my life. I want to help people.

“People have said, ‘You’re going to get blessed.’ I’m already blessed. Now that I’m on scholarship … I don’t know even how to process it right now. You’re blessed for being a kind person. I thank God and I thank each of my teammates and my coaches.”