BRUCE CAMPBELLOffensive Tackle/GuardUniversity of Maryland Terrapins6:05.3-310 Hamden, ConnecticutHargrave Military AcademyHyde Leadership School
OVERVIEW
An imposing physical specimen who has outstanding athleticism, evident by his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, Campbell is one of the strongest blockers eligible for the draft. He is also one of the fastest linemen in college football, as his 4.79 clocking in the 40-yard dash is the second-fastest ever produced by a Maryland down lineman. He displayed that suddenness by topping all offensive linemen with a 4.85 timing in that event during the agility tests in Indianapolis.
In the Terrapins' 2009 spring testing, he bench pressed 490 pounds, the second-best figure in school history. He proved that his lift was no fluke when he produced 34 repetitions At the Combine in the 225-pound bench press test. With a 36 ¼- arm length, 10 ½-inch hands and a 32-inch vertical jump, he certainly caught the attention of every NFL executive who witnessed his tests in late February.
Campbell attended Hyde Leadership School, where he as a four-year letter-winner, he never missed a game during his career. He lettered as a defensive end throughout his career and took on added duties as an offensive tackle his final two seasons. The two-time Class "S" All-State and New Haven All-Area selection was named the Most Valuable Player in the region by the New Haven Register and rated the best overall prospect in the state of Connecticut by Rivals.com, a recruiting service that rated him 17th among the nation's offensive tackle prospects. Campbell added Prep Star All-American honors as a senior, producing 70 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 2005, leading an undefeated team to the state championship for the second consecutive season. As a junior, he posted 50 tackles with 4.5 quarterback sacks, while blocking two PATs and one punt. In addition to his exploits on the gridiron, he lettered three times in basketball and earned three more letters in track, competing in the shot put.
The talented lineman was heavily recruited by Virginia, Nebraska and Michigan State. He originally signed a letter of intent to attend Maryland in 2006, but due to academics, he enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy instead. The team struggled to a 3-6 record in the VISFA Virginia Independent circuit, but Campbell started all season.
One of three true freshman to letter at Maryland in 2007, Campbell was brought along slowly by the coaching staff. He appeared in just five games that season, earning a start at left tackle vs. Clemson for an injured Scott Burley. He would also see action with the second unit in the Villanova, North Carolina, Boston College and Florida State games. After posting the second-fastest 40-yard dash time by a Maryland offensive lineman in 2008 spring drills, Campbell was hoping to mount a challenge for a starting assignment. The coaches decided to stick with the senior, Scott Burley, for the first half of the season. When the front wall struggled, the staff decided to insert Campbell into the lineup at left tackle for the final seven games, as Burley moved to the right side. He would finish the season with 48 knockdowns and six touchdown-resulting blocks. With left tackle his position entering the 2009 campaign, Campbell's preseason All-American accolades never materialized beyond that point. Campbell started the final six games, but the Terrapins would lose each contest. He finished with 68 knockdowns and five touchdown-resulting blocks.
Soon after the season ended, so did Campbell's college career, as he announced that he was leaving the school to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. "I felt like it was the right time for me to enter the draft," Campbell said. "It's something I've been thinking about for a while. I feel like I'm ready to compete at the highest level." He reached the decision after talking with his family. "My family definitely supports my decision," Campbell said. "They want what's best for me." Campbell played in 27 games during his Maryland career, all at left tackle. He started 17 contests, including all nine he played in during an injury-plagued 2009 campaign.
"Bruce made a tremendous contribution to our program," Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen said. "We're supportive of his decision. We'll do anything we can to help him during this process and wish him the best of luck."
CAREER NOTES
Campbell started 17-of-27 games at Maryland…In his seventeen starting assignments, he registered 116 knockdowns/key blocks with eleven touchdown-resulting blocks, adding four more blocks downfield, as he allowed 6.5 quarterback sacks, one pressure and was penalized once.
2009 SEASON
Campbell started nine games at left offensive tackle, but battled injuries throughout the first half of the schedule that saw him finish only seven of those contests…He closed out the season with 68 knockdowns/key blocks and five touchdownresulting blocks, but that performance would not stop the Terps' seven-game losing streak that closed out their schedule…Maryland finished 105th in the nation in rushing (105.75 ypg), 102nd in total offense (316.42 ypg) and 110th in sacks allowed (3.00 spg).
2008 SEASON
Played in all thirteen games, moving into the starting lineup at left tackle vs. Wake Forest, staying there for the final seven contests…Was part of an offensive line that enabled Da'Rel Scott (1,133) to become the seventh Terp back, and first since Chris Downs in 2002, to gain over 1,000 rushing yards in a season…In his first start for the season, Campbell earned Atlantic Coast Conference Lineman of the Week honors for his performance vs. Wake Forest…Finished the season with 48 knockdowns, six touchdown-resulting blocks and two downfield blocks, as Maryland ranked 61st in the nation in rushing (144.0 ypg), 68th in total offense (350.69 ypg) and tied for 79th in quarterback sacks allowed (2.15 spg).
2007 SEASON
Campbell saw action in the Villanova, North Carolina, Boston College and Florida State games as a reserve offensive tackle and earned his first career start on the left side vs. Clemson…Was one of three true freshmen to see playing time for the Terps during the season.
2006 SEASON
Enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, Va.), playing football for head coach Marty Talbert…Originally intended to enroll at Maryland, but had to improve his academics before he could be accepted.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Hyde Leadership (Hamden, Ct.) School, playing football for head coach John Aquavita…The four-year letterwinner never missed a game during his career…Competed as a defensive end throughout his career and took on added duties as an offensive tackle his final two seasons…The two-time Class "S" All-State and New Haven All-Area selection was named the Most Valuable Player in the region by the New Haven Register and rated the best overall prospect in the state of Connecticut by Rivals.com, a recruiting service that rated him 17th among the nation's offensive tackle prospects…Added Prep Star All-American honors as a senior, producing 70 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 2005, leading an undefeated team to the state championship for the second consecutive season…As a junior, he posted 50 tackles with 4.5 quarterback sacks, while blocking two PATs and one punt…Lettered three times in basketball and earned three more letters in track, competing in the shot put.
PERSONAL
Enrolled in the College of Letters and Sciences…Son of Rita and Bruce Campbell…Father was an area high school legend in basketball who ultimately starred at Providence College in the 1970s. He was selected by the New Jersey Nets in the eighth round of the 1978 NBA Draft and is a member of the Providence Athletics Hall of Fame. He played professional hoops overseas…Born 5/25/88…Resides in Hamden, Connecticut.
