The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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commitment profile slapped George in the chest so hard, it was hilarious." Although the spur-of-the-moment commitment might make U-M fans wary that Campbell is unlikely to stick in the 2015 Michigan class, his connections — 2014 teammate Cole is a Wolverine, and Campbell has also built a friendship with 2014 quarterback commit Wilton Speight — will help keep him in the fold. East Lake head coach Bob Hudson is firm that there will be no wavering. "I tell them to make sure that they they've done it right, because once you make the decision with me, once they verbally commit, it's over," Hudson said. "I don't believe in the soft commitment and all that stuff. Once they commit, it's done. They know that and they know that they want to make the right decision." Now that the Wolverines have beaten out some of the country's top programs — including Arkansas, Florida, Notre Dame and Ohio State — they shouldn't have to worry about his pledge. It's easy to understand the concern, because Campbell is a special athlete. "He's a sophomore at 6-4, 185190 pounds," Hudson said. "Who knows what he's going to end up being when it's all said and done? He's just a puppy still, so there's no telling what George is going to be." At that size, Campbell was lasertimed at 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Nike's The Opening in July — the fastest time of any prospect in the 2014 and 2015 classes. Although he missed most of his sophomore season of track due to wrist surgery, there's no denying his speed. Opposing defensive coordinators are well aware of that. Playing alongside 2014 Clemson commit Artavis Scott last year, Campbell notched 30 receptions for 766 yards (25.5 yards per catch) and five touchdowns in his sophomore season. He also ran the ball twice for 28 yards, scoring on both runs. As if that's not enough, Campbell also starred for the Eagles' defense. Whereas most wide receivers pull double-duty as cornerbacks or safeties, Campbell put his hand in the dirt to rush the passer as a defensive end. He made 56 total tackles, including six for loss and one sack. Campbell, however, knows that he hasn't arrived just yet. East Lake's starting quarterback from the 2012 season, Pete DiNovo, is now plying his trade just up the road from Tampa, Fla., at University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. Campbell will put in the work with a new signal-caller to meet or exceed last year's production. "I need to just work as hard as I did last year," he said. "I want to do the same things with our new quarterback. Basically, just work. Practice every day try to get better as a team and as an individual." With his college commitment out of the way, Campbell can focus on East Lake for another couple years. If he lives up to his five-star potential, he may make an immediate impact on Michigan's roster come 2015. — Tim Sullivan