Jihaad Campbell

A defensive chess piece. The rare type of prospect that has risen in the rankings each time more information has become available. Could be viewed by some as a front-seven “tweener” without a real home, but wears that tag almost like a badge of honor with his hard-nosed mentality. Started prep career off in New Jersey where he worked primarily as a hand-in-the-dirt edge player before transferring into IMG Academy where he was deployed as more of a traditional linebacker at the national powerhouse. Excelled in both roles, which was also the case during Under Armour All-America week as he flashed some advanced pass rushing moves during 1-on-1s and then was able to keep up with skill players of all different sizes during 7-on-7 sessions. Ability to get north-south and east-west might be best attribute at this stage in his development. Elite testing numbers back that up as he has gone 4.5 in the 40-yard dash and 4.2 in the short shuttle. Also owns a head-turning 33-inch vertical jump. Explosive first step tends to cause plenty of issues for opposing blockers as he’s quick to get outside and start applying pressure. Countermoves allow him to track back inside and flush out pockets. Doesn’t let many, if any, quarterbacks slip out of his grip and has a knack for finishing off plays. Willing face-up tackler, although he will need to add plenty of mass to a rather lean frame if he doesn't want to get washed away by college-sized lineman as he measured roughly 6-foot-3, 215 pounds the spring before senior season. Does, however, have some larger hands and looks like someone that could eventually carry 245 pounds or more after a year or two in a college strength program. By far one of the most intriguing defenders in the class of 2022 given skillset as he could make an impact in a variety of different ways on Saturdays. Likely to emerge as a stand-up ‘backer that can rush the quarterback on some downs and drop back into coverage on others. All-SEC type of upside and someone that should eventually hear his name called in the early rounds of the NFL Draft if everything comes together.

More Evaluations

• Evaluated 04/19/2021 Andrew Ivins Director of Scouting Read