Calais Campbell, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

Defensive End 6’8 280 lbs. 40 yard dash: 4.8 #81 University of Miami Junior Scouting report by John Clarke

When you look at Calais Campbell, you think, “how tall is this man”?  The answer is 6 feet, 8 inches.  When opponents look at Campbell they think, “how are we going to stop this tall man”?  The answer my never come.  After being a reserve defensive end as a red shirt freshman and collecting 35 tackles (19 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, eight QB pressures and one forced fumble, he really came into his own his sophomore year.

Campbell’s 2006 campaign ignited the #5 ranked ‘Canes as he ranked second on the team with 10.5 sacks (half a sack behind Kareem Brown, 4^th round pick in 2007), had 20 tackles for loss, which ranked fourth in the nation and led the team and the ACC.  In the ACC, he ranked third and was two sacks behind ACC leader and All-American Gaines Adams (1 round pick of the ’07 draft) of Clemson.

With very few players of that nationally ranked defense gone from the roster, the ‘Canes look to thrive once again.  Campbell, whom is virtually on every pre-season accolade list, should explode this year, now that Coach Shannon Brown is the head coach.  Coach Brown was the ‘Canes defensive coordinator the last six years, which produced top 10 defenses in five of those six seasons. 

Campbell is an athletic kid, which allows him to beat double teams and offensive tackles that are stouter than his 280 pound frame.  He has a low stance, which is impressive for a 6’ 8" man, and he can shoot straight out and use his hands to shed blockers.  Being an All-State basketball player in high school has taught him about body positioning and having quick feet.  He was also a tight end in high school and some schools offered scholarships to play that position as well.

Although he has great speed and quickness off the edge he needs to develop some more moves in order to be an impact defensive end in the NFL.  He has gained more weight since arriving in Miami, but he needs to get stronger still to help stymie those rushing plays to his side.  He has great size and potential, which is important going into his junior year.  At the end of this year, he should be ranked near the top of defensive ends in the country, which will help boost his draft status in the coming 2008 NFL draft.  Though not as physically imposing, he reminds some of Julius Peppers because of his size, athletic ability for a defensive linemen and his lateral quickness.  If he is half as good, he will be a great play maker. 

UPDATE: Calais had an above average season but below expectations.  The once dominant University of Miami team has fallen into the average category, which affects the individual players as well (i.e. Kenny Phillips).  Campbell had an opportunity to really step up as a leader, something that NFL G.M.’s covet almost as much as 40 yard dash times.  Unfortunately, he was stuck on auto-pilot most of the season, usually deferring to others to motivate the team and really did not play inspired most of the year. 

Campbell has tremendous upside due to his size and athleticism.  He can dominate when he wants to, and although staying another year would help him build character and technique, he may just need a veteran defensive guy to get his butt into gear.  He is a smart person, ironically graduating with a degree in Sociology, which made his decision to leave school early even more enticing. 

CALAIS CAMPBELL'S CAREER STATISTICS

CALAIS CAMPBELL AWARDS:

2005

·         Reserve Defensive End

2006

·         1^st Team ALL-ACC

·         Jack Harding Most Valuable Player Award (Team Award)

·         Watch List for the Ted Hendricks Award for the best defensive end

·         Plumer Memorial Award for leadership, motivation and spirit

2007

·         Playboy Pre-Season ALL – AMERICAN

·         Pre-Season Watch List for the Ted Hendricks Award for the best defensive end

·         Semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award

·          Honorable Mention ALL-ACC