Als like Campbell’s big play capabilities
Homegrown DB with explosive speed improving as he gains CFL experience
MONTREAL Tevaughn Campbell isn’t certain there’s a future for him in rugby, as he plays in the national program. But it seems he’s found a home in the Canadian Football League with the Alouettes.
The Toronto native, who plays strong-side cornerback for Montreal, returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown last Saturday against the Argonauts. And last month, the 25-year-old speedster recovered a fumble, after Chip Cox blocked a field goal against British Columbia, returning it 87 yards for a touchdown.
Drafted in the third round (22nd overall) by Calgary in 2015, Campbell also scored a touchdown for Saskatchewan in 2016. The Als acquired him from the Roughriders in an August 2017 trade for quarterback Vernon Adams.
“When I was in Calgary, I stood on the table to draft him,” Montreal defensive co-ordinator Rich Stubler said after Wednesday’s practice. “I felt he was one of the best players in the draft.
“He can be a player. We just have to be patient. You don’t see athletes like that everyday. He has terrific speed and takes care of himself. He’s cerebral. We put him in press (coverage) and told him to just play. Nobody in this league can do that. I think he’s more mature now.”
The Als released the six-foot, 195-pound Campbell at the beginning of training camp this season. He was repatriated soon after Mitchell White suffered two herniated discs to his vertebrae in late July against Edmonton.
Campbell received his first start on Aug. 18 against the Eskimos. In eight games, he’s recorded 19 defensive tackles and two interceptions.
Against the Argos last Saturday, he stepped in front of a James Franklin pass intended for Duron Carter nine minutes into the third quarter, returning it for a touchdown that gave the Als a 21-13 lead at the time. That timely turnover came after Toronto took the second half kickoff and controlled the ball for more than seven minutes. The Argos won the game 26-22. “We talked about it all week ... try to make one of those plays, those big, explosive plays. Especially one for six. I was hungry for it all game,” said Campbell, who was playing before family members, including his mother, sister and brother.
“I was waiting for the right opportunity, the right route to jump,” he said.
“The opportunity presented itself and I took advantage of it. As soon as I saw (Carter) break in, I knew (Franklin) had to be looking here. I saw his shoulders get up. The ball came loose, so I drove it.”
Campbell became a carded member of the Canadian rugby sevens last November, at the conclusion of the Als’ season. He first got a taste of the physical game in April 2017. He trained with the team, but didn’t play during a trip to Asia.
Coach Damian Mcgrath was impressed with Campbell’s allout speed, along with his ability to move laterally and backwards. Campbell set a CFL combine record in 2015 when he was timed at 4.355 seconds over 40 yards. While playing collegiately at the University of Regina, Campbell ran track and won the U Sports 60-metre final in 2016.
Rugby, for Campbell, was a means to augment his income during the winter, although Als management is known not to be keen on him playing the sport. With the team on strike for financial reasons, Campbell’s future in the sport remains uncertain. As well, he’s a potential CFL free agent in February.
“Last year was my first year, just to try something new,” he said. “I’m hard on myself and I want new challenges. I like to be the best, and strive to be the best, in all my sports. But I’m a rookie when it comes to rugby. I’m still learning the game.
“Like every other (CFL) player, after the season, you don’t really have a job,” Campbell added. “That’s what I do for work. I sell my body. And I found something I could adapt to very quickly. I could give it up (if necessary), assuming everything else goes with it as well, including salary.”
Along with his speed, Campbell believes he’s a quick learner, a player who corrects his mistakes on the field instead of in the film room. He’s improved with experience, gaining confidence the more he plays. And as a non-import, he’s a potential ratio changer to the Als. Or any CFL team. In other words, Campbell provides a club with a valuable commodity.
“If you watch the (interception) he had the other day, he just put his foot down and exploded to the ball. There was no hesitation. It was like he was shot out of a cannon. That was very impressive and he’s been impressive,” head coach Mike Sherman said.
“He gets better and better each week. I’m really happy with his progress.”
Notes: Rod Rust, a former Alouettes head coach, defensive co-ordinator and position coach, died Tuesday morning at age 90. Rust, who was New England’s head coach in 1990, coached Montreal in 2001, when the team jumped out to a 9-2 start. But after they lost six consecutive games, he was fired and replaced by general manager Jim Popp . ... Als defensive back T.J. Heath (bruised ribs) hasn’t practised this week, but he’s expected to play Sunday against Toronto, according to Sherman.