Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/847744
2 0 1 7 S E A S O N P R E V I E W W e all have a weakness, that one little indulgence that instantly overrides all of our willpower and better judgment. For a long time, Christian Campbell's weakness was fast food. McDonald's always seemed to be beckoning, and always, in this instance, doesn't mean once or twice or even three times a week. "It was almost every day," Campbell conceded. "It was bad." But besides being a fast food con- noiseur, he was also a high-level college athlete with dreams of someday going pro. With his 6nal season at Penn State approaching, he decided that he needed to make sure his lifestyle and practice habits were in full alignment with his goals. That included his diet, so he cut back on the high-calorie fare in favor of broccoli and chicken, much of which he cooked himself. Those fast food cravings haven't en- tirely gone away, and every once in a while he gives in. "I haven't cut it out cold turkey," Campbell said, "but I've started cooking more and eating right, eating healthier." His commitment has not gone unno- ticed. Penn State's coaching sta8 had long been impressed with Campbell's athletic ability, as evidenced by their will- ingness to play him extensively as a true freshman in 2014, but they wanted to see him grow into his 6-foot-1 frame. "He's always been a guy who can run," coach James Franklin said. "He's one of the fastest guys on our team. He had to get bigger and stronger, and he's done that." Listed at 191 pounds heading into his 6nal preseason camp, Campbell has added about 10 pounds since arriving at Penn State and is poised to play a major role in a secondary that could turn out to be one of the Nittany Lions' strengths this coming season. With returning starter John Reid having su8ered a poten- tially season-ending injury in spring THE MORE THINGS CHANGE... Expected to be a starter this fall, senior CB Christian Campbell says he's as motivated as ever to excel | PICK AND ROLL Camp- bell's second career inter- ception con- tributed to Penn State's 62-24 rout of Purdue last season in West Lafayette. Photo by Steve Manuel D E F E N S I V E B A C K S