Campbell’s return gives Buckeyes offensive boost
Speedy H-back/WR should only raise the expectations for OSU.
For once, Parris COLUMBUS —
Campbell doesn’t appear to be in a hurry.
As a result, Ohio State gets to capitalize on his elite speed for one more season.
The blazing H-back and wide receiver announced his intentions Thursday to stick around with the Buckeyes for his senior season, giving the program another big win ahead of the Monday deadline to declare for the NFL draft. Campbell’s athleticism and emergence as a dangerous weapon for the Buckeyes when healthy last season opened up the possibility that he might not be around for long, but the opportunities another year could provide ultimately tipped the scales for a return.
For his part, Campbell can still develop as a pass-catching threat for Zone 6, which will boost his professional stock. He also could get to play in an offense that is expected to feature an expanded aerial attack.
With Dwayne Haskins penciled in as the next quarterback, his strong arm might provide more opportunities to produce and to showcase Campbell’s set of skills. And there’s also the chance to compete for a national championship with so much talent returning, with Campbell a key part of the veteran roster that Ohio State will have on hand.
Defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones and receiver Johnnie Dixon also announced Thursday they are returning for next season.
From a team perspective, the Buckeyes should benefit tremendously from another year to utilize the kind of quickness that on more than a few occasions last season left defenders looking helpless in Campbell’s wake. With offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and quarterbacks coach Ryan Day having another year to work together, that brain trust and coach Urban Meyer have a chance to find even more ways to get the football in Campbell’s hands and let him work in space.
Having a respected veteran such as Campbell back should be a bonus in the locker room. It also could allow the Buckeyes to be a bit more patient in the development process with newcomers such as H-back Jaelen Gill, as well as wide receivers Kamryn Babb and Wayne’s L’Christian Smith.
Campbell couldn’t have been blamed for moving on if that was the right choice for him.
But this move shapes up to be a clear winner for both him and the program, and it should only raise the expectations for the Buckeyes heading into next season.