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Notre Dame Football Recruiting

Campbell Being Patient with Process

May 25, 2017
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2018 Hillcrest (Ala.) cornerback Cagan Campbell made the trip to South Bend for the Blue-Gold Game in April, and defensive backs coach Todd Lyght returned the favor this week by stopping by the three-star prospect’s school.

“It was good to have him at my school,” Campbell told Irish Sports Daily. “He had said they were excited about me, but the only thing holding me back from getting an offer from Notre Dame is my size.”

The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder wasn’t upset with the message and only motivated him more to accomplish his goal.  

“I can understand it,” explained Campbell. “He told me I need to eat more and keep working out how I am right now. If I am in the 170’s during the season, I would have a better chance of getting an offer.

“It’s not discouraging to hear it at all. He’s telling me stuff I need to do to reach my goal. When he tells me that stuff, it lights a fire inside of me and I know I have to work even harder than I am with eating and weight training. I use it as motivation.”

The Tuscaloosa native has appreciated the Lyght’s straight-forward nature as it allows Campbell to see where he stands.

“I have appreciated him being upfront,” Campbell said. “I’d rather have a coach tell me what I need to here instead of just dragging me along. When he tells me what I need to do to get an offer, and I can respect it.”

Campbell has remained in contact with several schools and is planning several visits during the summer. The biggest visit won’t be far as he won’t have to leave his hometown.  

“I was just on the phone with Marshall, and they offered me,” stated Campbell. “It was the first I have heard from them and to get an offer; it was a surprise. I am hearing from Samford and Alabama’s assistant defensive back coach. We have been texting for the past couple weeks.

“Alabama is excited about me, and I am going up there on June 4th for a visit. I feel like that’s going to be a great visit. I am also working on trips to Army, Liberty, Marshall, and I will be going to Ole Miss for a one-day camp. I will go to Georgia Tech too.”
Despite growing up in Tuscaloosa, an offer from the Crimson Tide hasn’t been the dream offer, but with that said, it would be a meaningful one for Campbell.  

“I don’t have a dream offer, but growing up around here and seeing the success of Alabama, an offer from them would mean the world,” he said. “They are a top program, so it’d mean they see something good in me.”

As for the offseason, Campbell is focused on improving his game and specifically his footwork.  

“I am working on my footwork,” said Campbell. “Multiple coaches have told me I need to improve my footwork and coaches have given me some drills to do. I want to get my footwork as crisp as I can before the fall rolls around.”  


 
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