Gary native earns praise, honor at Iowa
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ahamnik@nwitimes.com219.933.4154 | Friday, September 26, 2008 | No comments posted.
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It seemed like such a natural fit.
When Lloyd Carr retired after 13 seasons as head football coach at Michigan, many close to the program believed either Erik Campbell or Fred Jackson -- the two longest-tenured and best recruiters on staff -- would be the perfect replacement.
Instead, Michigan cleaned house and hired Rich Rodriguez from West Virginia.
Campbell moved on, but his phone was quick to ring.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz wanted the Gary native as his wide receivers/tight ends coach.
"When I came on the market, I was getting contacted by a lot of different schools," Campbell said. "When he called, I didn't hesitate. Iowa historically has great football tradition, great fan support, and always has a chance to win the Big Ten.
"I grew up (at Michigan). I went to school there. I played there. A lot of highlights. But I'm a Hawkeye now."
Campbell will also be in charge of recruiting the Dallas, Houston and Detroit areas.
"We were very fortunate to have Erik Campbell join our staff," Ferentz said. "His experience and success level is outstanding. He does an excellent job communicating with our student-athletes.
"It's pretty easy to see why he's been so successful when you watch him during practice."
The 3-1 Hawkeyes open Big Ten play at home Saturday against 4-0 Northwestern on ESPN Classic.
"I was well-received when I first arrived and every Saturday now there's 70,000 screamin' fans at Kinnick Stadium," Campbell said. "There's no pro teams in Iowa, so they're very supportive of their college team."
Campbell joined Michigan's staff in 1995 and coached a 1,000-yard receiver an NCAA record eight consecutive seasons (1998-2005). His NFL products include Amani Toomer, Mercury Hayes, Thornton grad Tai Streets, David Terrell, Marquise Walker, Braylon Edwards and two-way standout and Heisman winner Charles Woodson.
CBSSportsline.com recently named Campbell the top receivers coach in the country among Division I assistants. His reaction was an "Aw shucks" that's so typical of the Roosevelt grad.
"I've been blessed with great players and the opportunity to work with great young men," he said. "I just try to do my best, hopefully it works out, and the young men get all the credit."
Campbell's father, John, is a prep track legend, having led the Panthers to 12 state titles. He and Erik are both members of the Indiana Track Hall of Fame.
"Do I miss the Region? Hell, yeah," said Erik. "It's home. Lots of friends and family. You never forget home."
Iowa players and coaches marvel at Campbell's high energy and the excitement he generates on the field, often running alongside them on pass routes, diving for balls and jumping up and down when his receivers make a good play.
Some day, who knows? He may have his own program.
"Whenever somebody calls my name," Campbell chuckled. "I'm waiting."
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
The Erik Campbell file
* High school: Roosevelt, class of 1984
* College: Michigan, class of 1987
* Coaching experience: Navy running backs (1989-90); Ball State running backs (1991-93); Syracuse running backs (1994); Michigan wide receivers (1995-2007); Michigan assistant head coach (2003-07); Iowa wide receivers, tight ends (2008).
* Fast fact: Campbell was a four-year letterman at Michigan and is the only player in Michigan football history to start at all four secondary positions in one year.