Name: William CampbellHeight: 6'5"
Weight: 318 lbs.
High School: Cass Technical High School in Detroit, MI
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey Number: #73
2008 Statistics: 55 tackles, 22 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR, 1 TD
Prediction for 2009: Backup defensive tackle
Campbell (pictured above, killing a guy) was Michigan's top-rated recruit in the class of 2009. Michigan fans are expecting a lot from Campbell, but they need to remember that defensive tackle is not typically a position where true freshmen make a huge impact. Campbell had virtually no technique in high school; he simply used his size and strength to toss around the guys who were much smaller and weaker than him. As it is, Campbell is third on the depth chart at nose tackle. He'll probably see a few snaps a game in the base defense, and he'll be a clogger in the middle on goal-line or short yardage situations. Give this kid a year or two and he could be a monster if he learns proper technique.
Was Mike Martin a true freshman last year?
ReplyDeleteDid Dorsey start as a Freshman at LSU?
Yes, Mike Martin was a true freshman last year.
ReplyDeleteDorsey started a couple games as a true freshman, so he probably wouldn't be considered a starter.
Why could Martin start but not Campbell? Taylor wasn't amazing but he was decent and was selected in the 4th round. Was Martin better than Campbell is now or is the depth at DT much different?
ReplyDeleteMartin didn't start last year. He was behind Johnson and Taylor, who were seniors.
ReplyDeleteMartin was better than Campbell is now. Martin was more technically sound and in better condition. As I said in the blog post, Campbell had virtually no technique as a high school. He doesn't know how to use leverage because he could always get by on pure strength. That's why you usually don't see true freshmen play on the OL or DL - they're too weak and lack the proper refinement.