Jordan Campbell, MLB/OLB N.M.H.U

HGT: 5-11 WGT: 230

 Out of Nor Co High School, Campbell originally attend the University of Southern California but decided to transfer prior to the 2010 season, sighting Pete Carroll’s departure being the reason for transferring. Campbell then attend Louisville, but never played due to eligibility issues and finally found a home at Division II New Mexico Highlands University. It has always been my rule of thumb that in order for a small-school prospect to be considered for the next level, the prospect would have had to dominate the level at which he played at, N.M.H.U’s Jordan Campbell has done just that since stepping foot on campus prior to the 2011 season. The RMAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year finished his senior campaign with a team leading 104 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss of 127 yards, 12 sacks for a loss of 77 yards, three pass break-ups, eight quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and three forced fumbles. Campbell set the RMAC Record for Tackles for Loss in a Season with 28.5 in the 2011 season; he then tied the RMAC Record for Second Most Tackles for Loss in a Game in 2012 with six against WNMU.

 PROS:

Very explosive athlete, who displays athleticism in every aspect of his game. Campbell dominated the Division II level, which is what you like to see from a small-school prospect. Campbell is well built and and plays with power. On tape Campbell shows the ability to play sideline to sideline from the Middle Linebacker spot. Plays with good natural instincts: does a good job of recognizing pullers, gets over the top of blocks when he recognizes full flow, triggers gap down hill when he reads run at him. Does a decent job at walling-off and collisioning routes. Has a natural nose for the ball that leads him to creating turnovers and getting pass break-ups. Shows the ability to rush the passer with some pretty savvy pass-rush moves (quick swim, quick chop and double swipe). Has lined up at both Outside and Middle linebacker. Has big play ability and is a force on the Special Teams.

CONS:

Campbell is limited in his length, at just 5’11 many NFL scouts believe Campbell can only play MLB. Although Campbell played against elite competition when he was at USC, his role was predominantly on special teams. As an every-down starter, Campbell has not played against elite competition. Campbell needs to be more physical/stout at the point of attack taking on blocks, at times he takes them on with high pad level and picks a side which allows blockers to seal him off. Needs to get better using his hands when pass-rushing and when fighting through blocks in traffic. At times over peruses when tracking ball carries, needs to be under control and shimmy feet down to make the sure tackle instead of looking for the big hit. Needs to work on becoming more fluid in pass-drops. At times needs to improve pad level especially when asked to drop in to coverage.

 NOTE:

Jordan Campbell’s production over the past two season is impressive no matter what level he competed at. Campbell is a very intriguing prospect in that he possess the raw talent, work ethic and natural instincts to make it in the NFL. One thing is for sure, the all-star bowl games and workouts will prove to be pivotal for Campbell in the evaluation process. On paper Campbell’s Combine testing marks project him at the top of almost every category for Linebackers. I personally think if given a chance, Jordan Campbell will make an NFL roster and will make an immediate impact on Special Teams and could even possibly play fullback.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5DgDePoVAjk

 FINAL STATISTICS FROM 2012 and 2011