Has Dalevon Campbell earned himself a bigger role on offense? He's certainly playing like it
Two weeks ago, some folks might not have even known who Dalevon Campbell was. But after Saturday’s win over Wofford, it’s safe to say his name will be a lot more recognizable around Columbia.
After seemingly coming out of nowhere to make two of the biggest catches in a 34-30 win over Missouri last week, South Carolina’s sixth-year receiver followed it up with a career day in his final home game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Campbell tied his previous career high with 120 receiving yards on five catches and arguably should’ve had much more on Saturday.
On the Gamecocks’ first drive of the game, Campbell hauled in a 50-yard touchdown catch from LaNorris Sellers to give them an early 7-3 lead. However, the play was wiped out after offensive lineman Vershon Lee was flagged for being too far downfield. So, in reality, his numbers should’ve been a lot better, but he still made a tremendous impact.
“It’s a really good feeling, obviously. It’s just constant work,” Campbell said.
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When it comes to Campbell’s play style, he’s been able to haul in most passes thrown his way, especially in these last two games. It could be a quick route on a short pass but what he does next is where he’s the most dangerous. He’s able to turn up field and turn a short pass into a huge gain.
That was the case on Saturday when he caught passes for 58, 27, 21, 11 and three yards. In the win over Missouri, he had catches for 47 and 39 yards. Back when he was more of an unknown, his second catch of the year went for 27 yards against Akron in late September.
“I feel like that just comes with practice. Stay ready so you don’t got to get ready,” said Campbell on how he’s been able to progress into his newfound role. “Just going into every week and just working, working and keeping your head down and just work.”
While most of his impact has come as a receiver this year, Campbell has also played on special teams for the Gamecocks this season. And he showed off his versatility with a huge play in Saturday’s win.
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With South Carolina punting to Wofford in the first half, Campbell flew down the field and timed it right to where he laid a big hit on the punt returner to send the home crowd into a frenzy.
“That’s probably my favorite play of the game,” he said. “This punt, I’m like, ‘Okay, he finna fair catch it.’ Like in my head, I’m thinking like, ‘Okay, I’m coming fast. He finna fair catch it’ and he didn’t. It was just like, ‘Okay, it’s gonna be fun’ and it was.”
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For his efforts in the game, Campbell was rewarded with a game ball by head coach Shane Beamer. Though the season is winding down, there’s no doubt he has earned himself a bigger role as South Carolina preps for a huge matchup with Clemson on Saturday (noon, ESPN).
“He has worked really hard in practice,” Beamer said. “I told you guys in the beginning of the season that our wide receiver room would continue to get better and the way the wide receiver room looked in September, it would probably look different in November, and it does. Those guys continue to work and continue to get better. Dalevon is a perfect example of that.”
