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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Campbell Makes Most of Late Invitation
1/26/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Lee Campbell caught a break late last week and he took full advantage of it.
Campbell, who recently wrapped up his senior season with the Golden Gophers, was already in bed in Naples, Fla. late Thursday night when his agent called and told him he'd be getting a chance to play in the Asset Protect East-West Shrine Game.
There was just one catch (or maybe two). The game was going to be played in roughly 36 hours ... and Campbell would be playing strongside linebacker, a position he had never played before.
"My agent called and said you're on a flight at 7:30 in the morning," Campbell said. "I got to Orlando Friday morning and started learning the playbook right away."
He learned enough in that quick study session that he was able to get on the field at the Florida Citrus Bowl for what he estimated to be 20 or 25 snaps with the West squad. In those opportunities, Campbell recorded three tackles (two solo, one assisted). He was involved in the tackle on his first two plays of the game. The former Golden Gopher also got some reps on punt and kickoff coverage units.
"I think I did really well," Campbell said, "especially doing it all in just one day's time. It was kind of stressful and nerve-racking. But I played well, especially for never having played outside linebacker. I think (my performance) put me on the map even more than I was before.
"But it was a lot of fun," he added. "To meet all those coaches, get my name out there and show my versatility was big for me. My speed is improving every day. I just wanted to show people that I'm an elite linebacker and that I can play at the next level."
Campbell said he received some very positive feedback and has also heard positive things through the grapevine. In fact, he was hoping to hear some constructive criticism from the coaching staff but that never came. The West team was coached by Marty Schottenheimer, who has 21 years of experience as an NFL head coach.
"I was hoping to hear something negative to give me some things to work on," Campbell said. "But everything I heard was pretty positive."
Campbell certainly made an impression on Schottenheimer.
"It's hard to come in late like he did, but he found a way to make a few plays out there, knocking people around," Schottenheimer told the Naples Daily News. "He stepped up and met the challenge."
Campbell made an impression off the field as well. He made the most of an opportunity to meet East head coach Romeo Crennel, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, before the game Saturday.
"At breakfast Saturday, Romeo Crennel was at the next table over," Campbell said. "So, I went over and introduced myself to him. We had a good talk. I found out later that a Chiefs scout had called my agent and said they were going to keep an eye on me and that my talk with Coach Crennel helped me. They said he was very impressed that I just waslked up to him and introduced myself."
Campbell is hoping his performance at the Shrine Game and some of the connections he made in Orlando might catapult him into a late invitation to the Senior Bowl. According to his agent, Campbell is on a short list of alternates for the Senior Bowl if there is an opening at his position. Campbell said it is also possible that he may still get an invitation to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis later this month.
"I'm hoping to get that Combine invite," he said. "But if I don't , I'll just have to impress the scouts on Pro Day up in Minneapolis."
-Andy Seeley
