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University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A: Josh Campion
3/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
It's been a long road to the University of Minnesota for offensive lineman Josh Campion. The Fergus Falls native signed with the Gophers as part of Minnesota's 2009 recruiting class, before eventually going to prep school at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia last year.
After a season at Fork Union, Campion came back home to Minnesota. He is now on campus, taking classes and working out with the Gophers after enrolling in January.
GopherSports.com had an opportunity to interview Campion for our on-going series of Q&A's with Future Gophers. That interview is below:
| Josh Campion |
Josh Campion: It's my home. Plus, Coach Kill and his staff were big reasons. Other than just being home, they really sealed the deal for me. They're honest people. They're good people. I can't say enough about his staff with how much they've helped me with the little things that a person needs.
GopherSports.com: You came to the University of Minnesota a few years ago, and then left to go to Fork Union Military Academy, how has the experience been coming back to Minnesota?
Josh Campion: It was great. Coming back home is something that I've always wanted to do. I've realized that being away isn't something that I want to do for my college career. I'm very blessed and grateful that I've been able to come back to Minnesota.
GopherSports.com: What other schools had you been considering as well as Minnesota?
Josh Campion: Right before I signed here I was talking to Miami (Fla.) a little bit.
GopherSports.com: When did you decide that you wanted to play Division I Football?
Josh Campion: I decided that I wanted to play for the Gophers a long time ago. I remember telling my 6th or 7th grade PE teacher that I wanted to play for Minnesota, and he said, "Big Ten, eh?" and I said, "Yep".
GopherSports.com: What are some of your goals in your first season as a Golden Gopher?
Josh Campion: I want to work as hard as I can. To be honest, one of my ultimate goals is to be one of Coach Limegrover's starting five offensive linemen. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that I'm just going to try and be average. I'm going to do my best. How I look at it is I need to bust my tail now to earn a spot and get a chance to play for the next four years.
GopherSports.com: What are some of your long-term goals for your college career?
Josh Campion: I need to get my degree. I need to have a backup for after football. I also want to work my best to get a shot at the next level. Everyone wants the opportunity, and I'm blessed to have it here at Minnesota. I just need to work my tail off to get an opportunity at the next level.
GopherSports.com: What have you enjoyed the most about being here at Minnesota so far?
Josh Campion: I enjoy being at college. I've been stalled since I graduated High School in 2009. It has taken me two years to get here, and I'm really happy to be here.
GopherSports.com: What is your favorite football memory?
Josh Campion: Probably getting the offer from Minnesota this last time. I can't even explain how excited I was. I was at Fork Union Military Academy and we were not allowed to have cell phones, so I got the offer through an email. Right then, I grabbed my buddies and I hugged them. It was great, I celebrated right on the spot. I was very thankful for the offer.
GopherSports.com: Is there anyone in particular that you've idolized throughout your football career? If so, who and why?
Josh Campion: Yes, Reggie White, actually. It's kind of weird because he was a defensive player and I'm an offensive player. He was a Christian man and I'm very faith-based. I know I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the Lord. I also really like Tim Tebow and how he was a leader for his team throughout his football career. To be honest I want to be just like him, I want to lead this team.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Josh Campion: Yeah, one of my pre-game rituals is to listen to "Stairway to Heaven." I also say prayers before each game to keep me safe, and keep me level-headed and do my best.
GopherSports.com: Do you play any other sports along with football?
Josh Campion: Yes, I was a wrestler since I was a kindergartener if not younger.
GopherSports.com: Did you ever consider continuing your wrestling career?
Josh Campion: Yes that would have been a fun opportunity, but I don't think it was there for me.
GopherSports.com: What have you been up to since arriving on campus?
Josh Campion: I've been studying and going to workouts. I actually got away to see my family up in my hometown and went ice fishing for the first time in a long time.
GopherSports.com: What are some of your favorite music to listen to?
Josh Campion: I love country music. I love listening to Led Zeppelin too, they are a good band. Not too much of the rap, but there are some songs I enjoy.
GopherSports.com: What is your favorite movie?
Josh Campion: Forrest Gump is my favorite by far because I love history, I'm a history guy.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any "must see" shows you watch every week?
Josh Campion: I don't really have any that I watch weekly. I do like watching "American Chopper" and "Gold Rush" on the Discovery Channel.
GopherSports.com: Do you have any hidden talents that not many people know about?
Josh Campion: I can walk on my hands pretty well.
GopherSports.com: Do you have anything else you'd like to say to Gopher fans that are reading this?
Josh Campion: We're going to be a dominant team and we have a good thing going here. I can't emphasize enough that we're going to be pretty darn good the next few years.
-Interview by Athletic Communications Student Assistant Jennie Clark
