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Tennessee 'just the right place' for elite DL Isaiah Campbell as he leaves Tarheel State for Rocky Top

On3 imageby:Austin Price•12/04/24•

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Tennessee never went away in the recruitment of Isaiah Campbell, even after he committed to Clemson earlier in the year, and on Wednesday afternoon, their persistence finally paid off with the top-40 prospect choosing the Vols over home state North Carolina.

“Honestly, I really just liked the environment and the coaches,” Campbell told Volquest prior to revealing his decision. “It was just a great place for my family. Just coming up and wrapping up and tying up loose ends. It was just the right place for me.”

Campbell knew the Vols were a realistic option for him as he de-committed from Clemson, and in the end, after a strong push from the Tarheels, the elite defender knew Rocky Top was right for him.

“Honestly, when I de-committed from Clemson, that was because I had never had my official visits,” Campbell said. “I couldn’t go be a could have, should have, would have dude and lived with regret. My mom said, ‘you are only going to get three visits.’ So I decided I was going to take Clemson, Tennessee and UNC, but I was already committed to Clemson, but they did not allow any official visits, so I just decided to take these. At the end of the day, I just really liked the people and the men of character that are Coach Garner, Coach Heupel and Coach Chop. The players are playing at a really high level, and I want to be a part of that. I think God is leading me as a man to where I want to be.”

The duo of Garner and Coach Chop were a vital part in Tennessee’s ability to win out for Campbell.

“They are going to keep it transparent,” Campbell said of what stands out about the duo. “That is what I want from a coach. I want them to tell me what they are doing wrong. If there is no correction, then how am I going to be better. Not just in football but in life. You want someone who has your best interest not just football-wise but person-wise. You really want to see if you are having a hard day can you go talk to them. Coming from them and building the conversation, I feel like I can communicate with them on the hard days and the easy days.”

As Campbell gets ready to start his career in Knoxville, what should Tennessee fans expect from him?

“Honestly, you are going to see a player that is focused, a man of great character, and a man that is about his business. I think that is as a person. Academics, I am going to be at class. I am going to do the work. I am going to be an SEC academic. As a player, you are going to see hard work, determination, and the ability to be coached and listen. The ability to want to soak in knowledge and even when I fall down and be able to get up.”

You can watch Campell’s full interview below:

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