Steve Sarkisian: "This is probably the best version of DJ Campbell we’ve gotten"
DJ Campbell and Kelvin Banks were an all time one-two punch when it comes to offensive line recruiting. Banks was everything he was billed to be and more, in his three years he solidified himself as one of the best lineman in Longhorn history. Banks’ soon to be first-round pick status will reward all that he achieved in Austin. Campbell, once a multi-sport star out of Arlington Bowie, has taken a bit longer to reach his lofty recruiting ranking.
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On paper, he’s everything you want from a guard. He just needs to do it more consistently. He’s a mauler with a bit of nasty who can get to the second level and pave the road. It’s no secret that Steve Sarkisian and Kyle Flood want to field an offense that can consistently and effectively run the ball, but that’s continued to be an elusive task.
Our offseason reporting about Campbell has been very optimistic and he’s down about 10 lbs from last season. Now, after Tuesday’s media availability with Sarkisian, it’s evident Campbell is closer than ever before to attaining star status.
“This is probably the best version of DJ Campbell we’ve gotten,” Sarkisian said. “I think he’s taken a really big step from a leadership standpoint, from an energy standpoint.”
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On the other side of the ball, one would do well to remind themselves of how T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy’s breakout in 2023 and subsequent draft selection inspired Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton. The two saw their teammates work and performance and applied it to their own games, producing huge seasons for a historic Texas defense. That type of player inspired accountability is what continually occurs in top line programs. Success inspires work ethic which garners production.
In 2025, Texas will return only Campbell as a starter on the offensive line. Cole Hutson and Trevor Goosby don’t lack experience, but it’s a group that needs a leader. Sark’s offense relies on interior linemen to identify protections and Campbell will have a huge task in that regard as center Jake Majors moves on and Quinn Ewers is replaced by Arch Manning. Manning could unlock the downfield threat Sark’s offense has been lacking, but the deep passing game is only as dynamic as the power run game is effective.
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Campbell will be relied on to establish the run and the Spring returns on his development are promising.
