Left Tackles from Louisiana like this are few and far between. Campbell is the state's highest rated since Cam Robinson in 2014. And the LSU program since La'el Collins 2011 . Only Andrew Whitworth is the other LT that highly rated since the new millennium .
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Part of Campbell’s rare skill set came from playing multiple sports. He tried soccer when he was little. He played baseball for a long time. He joined an AAU basketball team in eighth grade and played until his senior year, and that helped him stay quick on his feet. The variation worked different muscles. Then, once he got to high school, he honed those skills with personal trainers and through Neville’s strength program.
Sitting in an office near the Neville weight room, Tannehill made a comparison. He has coached around Monroe for decades, and the only other player who reminded him of Campbell was Andrew Whitworth. They shared similar size, athleticism and work ethic.
Whitworth went to high school across the river in West Monroe, where he became one of the top offensive linemen in the nation. An athletic 6-foot-7 and 322 pounds during his college career, Whitworth started 52 games and helped win a national championship at LSU in 2003. He then played 16 seasons in the NFL before he retired this winter after earning a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams.
As a true freshman, Campbell expects to get matched against everyone’s best edge rusher. He doesn’t care. That comes with the territory, and the competition will help him improve. He wants to become a freshman All-American, win a national championship and one day reach the NFL.
Campbell seems nonchalant about the whole thing. It just doesn’t faze him. Recently, he mentioned to his dad that LSU had 60 days until the season opener. He was already thinking about the game, eager to get on the field and start his career.
“He wishes it was six days,” Campbell’s uncle said. “Not 60.”
Hunter, mauler, athlete: LSU freshman left tackle Will Campbell is ready to start Day 1
Hunter, mauler, athlete: LSU freshman left tackle Will Campbell is ready to start Day 1
Will Campbell has a rare blend of athleticism, work ethic, intelligence and discipline. The qualities created a true freshman capable of starting for LSU at left tackle. Few can play
Part of Campbell’s rare skill set came from playing multiple sports. He tried soccer when he was little. He played baseball for a long time. He joined an AAU basketball team in eighth grade and played until his senior year, and that helped him stay quick on his feet. The variation worked different muscles. Then, once he got to high school, he honed those skills with personal trainers and through Neville’s strength program.
Sitting in an office near the Neville weight room, Tannehill made a comparison. He has coached around Monroe for decades, and the only other player who reminded him of Campbell was Andrew Whitworth. They shared similar size, athleticism and work ethic.
Whitworth went to high school across the river in West Monroe, where he became one of the top offensive linemen in the nation. An athletic 6-foot-7 and 322 pounds during his college career, Whitworth started 52 games and helped win a national championship at LSU in 2003. He then played 16 seasons in the NFL before he retired this winter after earning a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams.
As a true freshman, Campbell expects to get matched against everyone’s best edge rusher. He doesn’t care. That comes with the territory, and the competition will help him improve. He wants to become a freshman All-American, win a national championship and one day reach the NFL.
Campbell seems nonchalant about the whole thing. It just doesn’t faze him. Recently, he mentioned to his dad that LSU had 60 days until the season opener. He was already thinking about the game, eager to get on the field and start his career.
“He wishes it was six days,” Campbell’s uncle said. “Not 60.”
