Will Campbell's Progress
Was pumped to see Brian's recent photo-tracking of Will Campbell from Army All Star size, to his current svelte shape. While that all seems fine, I don't remember hearing much about him so far in camp. I've heard that Roh is expected to play this year, obviously a good sign. While, I'm sure Will is expected to play, I'm curious what's been said about his performance thus far in camp. Considering how thin we're supposed to be at D-line, it seems like a pretty important matter.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:51 AM ^
some but he won't be nearly as good this year as he will be next year and especially in 2011
August 26th, 2009 at 2:59 AM ^
Totally agree.
If I had to go out on a limb, I could see Mike Martin being a way bigger impact in the long run than Will Campbell, if only because of the shape he's in now. Campbell has a long, long way to go, but assuming he lives up to his potential, he could be special.
In the meantime, I think MM is destined for greatness, and will not disappoint this year.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:32 AM ^
Who thinks Martin will go pro after his junior year (assuming he lives up to expectations)?
August 26th, 2009 at 8:44 AM ^
He is much smaller than the "ideal" DT at the pro level, so I doubt he gets first round attention.
That being said, if he has an awesome year he might jump just because he knows he can't change his draft status that much with a senior year.
Most college players don't follow that line of logic, though, so I don't think he jumps.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:15 PM ^
I can't disagree with you any more. Yes, Martin is just SLIGHTLY smaller than the average pro DT, but he is one of the strongest DTs in the country. He was ranked as the second strongest DT in the country coming out of high school by Rivals. With that strength and the athletic ability he has for a DT, pro teams would absolutely LOVE him as a pass-rushing DT in the NFL. If he gets decent numbers at Michigan he will definitely be a 1st round talent.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:47 PM ^
The circumference of those calves come combine day won't hurt either. You're right, he might be a little small but the NFL will drool over his physical intangibles.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:38 PM ^
Let's not forget that Will Johnson put up absolutely mindboggling numbers on the bench, and still went undrafted.
Just saying.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:05 AM ^
Well, I hope he is a lot better by the time he is Junior. Not sure, but I would think the idea is to get progressively better. Just imagine how much better he will be in 2016 when he is signing his second NFL contract...
August 26th, 2009 at 3:06 AM ^
Here's an article by Adam Rittenberg a couple of days ago...
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/2637/michigan-s-campbell-shape…
August 26th, 2009 at 6:48 AM ^
One of the most promising aspects is that Campell has earned the tag of Hard Working Motherfucker as well as seeming to be very coachable.
In coachbt speak, about the only thing he seems to have trouble with is his pad level. The reports are that he still wants to stand straight up and just toss a 195 lbs PSL offensive lineman out of his way. Apparently, that isn't going to happen at this level.
I'm very encouraged by everything I've heard about him on Scout--looking forward to Big Will becoming an immovable object as well as an irresistable force in the near future.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:33 PM ^
The closest to what I was looking for... Thanks for the info. Props on the avatar/handle, here's to getting ripped after some victories this year.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:11 AM ^
It's funny to hear people say "Will Campbell has a long way to go." I totally agree with this statement, but it seems like back in the Lloyd era we wouldn't have been talking half as much about his weight and physical progress. It is great to see Barwis transforming Campbell into a stud rather than another sloppy looking DT ala Watson or Branch.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:45 AM ^
If Campbell plays well enough to be First Team All-Big Ten, ESPN.com All American, and drafted in the second round of the NFL (Branch), or First Team All-Big Ten and drafted in the fourth round of the NFL (Watson), I will be satisfied.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:53 AM ^
I counter....
Would it not be nice to see a player realize potential and do that with good work ethic?
Neither Branch or Watson had it... and left UM fans always wondering... how really good could they have been?
August 26th, 2009 at 9:59 AM ^
I don't recall Branch being lazy, but that could just be that I'm a fan.
I just remember that whenever he was in the game, he was making plays. Early on I was a huge fan.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:00 AM ^
No quarrel here. I was just surprised to see Branch lumped in with Watson as a "sloppy looking DT" is all. After all,
August 26th, 2009 at 10:19 AM ^
I see what you mean there.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:51 AM ^
LMAO I love how the o-line is trotting off the field as Morreli(I think) lays lifeless on the field.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:53 AM ^
I get your point... I was a fan of Watson and Branch also, and of course, they were tremendous players. I was just saying that those guys seemed to carry a lot of extra "baby fat" on them and weren't the best conditioned athletes. I for one hope Campbell can develop to be just as good as those two talent wise, just nice to see his conditioning is coming along as well.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:50 AM ^
branch would've stayed for his senior year...
August 26th, 2009 at 12:37 PM ^
Me too man. Branch was a beast and I was hoping he would of came back.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:37 PM ^
Hopefully he makes like Brandon Graham and stays for his senior year.