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Tennessee tackle John Campbell declares for NFL Draft after six years of college football

IMG_3593by:Grant Ramey12/29/24

GrantRamey

Josh Heupel
(Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK) Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and Tennessee offensive lineman John Campbell Jr. (74) celebrate after the win over Texas A&M in an NCAA college football game between on Saturday, October 14, 2023 in Knoxville, Tenn.

Tennessee offensive lineman John Campbell Jr. announced in a post on social media on Saturday that he is declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft after exhausting his eligibility during a six-year career in college football. 

Campbell, the 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive tackle, spent the last two seasons at Tennessee, appearing in 22 games with the Vols. He played four years at Miami, playing in 32 games with the Hurricanes. 

He was Tennessee’s starting left tackle in 2023, then flipped to right tackle this season after the Vols added LSU transfer left tackle Lance Heard out of the NCAA Transfer Portal. 

“To the Volunteer and Hurricane Family,

“I first and foremost want to thank God for all of the opportunities that he has brought me. Without Him none of this is possible. I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. I could not be more proud to be a Volunteer and a Hurricane. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to represent both programs.

“To my coaches, thank you for taking a chance on me, and for helping me grow into the man I am today. Your time, effort, and guidance have meant everything to me. To my brothers on the field, the bond we’ve built is something I will carry with me forever. Each of you have made me better, and I will cherish the moments we’ve shared both on and off the field.

“To my family, your love, sacrifices, and unwavering support have been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. l couldn’t have done any of this without you.

“With sincere gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Thank you Tennessee and Miami! Philippians 4:13”

John Campbell committed to Tennessee as a transfer in January 2023

Campbell was a three-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class out of Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando. He was the No. 498 overall prospect in the class, was ranked No. 39 among offensive tackles and was the No. 82 overall player in the state of Florida. 

He committed to Tennessee as a transfer in January 2023, picking the Vols over Florida, Florida State and USC, among others. 

Campbell played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman at Miami in 2019, started four games during the COVID season in 2020 and missed the 2021 season after a leg injury required surgery. 

He started 11 games at Miami in 2022 before transferring to Tennessee, eventually landing as the starting left tackle in 2023. He struggled to stay healthy at right tackle this season, often splitting time with other offensive tackles. 

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