AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s not often that an offensive lineman utters the words, “I left food on my plate,” whether it’s literally or metaphorically, but that’s how Texas senior DJ Campbell feels about entering his last season of eligibility.
What he meant was that he thought he could have performed better last year, and this year, he’s going to prove it.
“I got tired a lot, and that led to a lack of fundamentals in my game,” he said. “This is all or nothing right now.”
Campbell has the most experience of any Longhorns offensive lineman with 30 starts and 37 total games played. He has started at right guard in every game over the past two seasons for the Longhorns, and, like many of the players, is working on becoming a more vocal leader. With four linemen from last year’s team in the NFL, Campbell is the logical guy for the younger players to learn from.
“I know what it takes to win and what it takes to lead,” he said. “We’re building camaraderie and bringing the young guys along and getting them experience.”
Head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood are rebuilding up front, with Campbell the only returning starter at his position. Trevor Goosby is set to take over at left tackle and Cole Hutson is taking over at center. Campbell said both guys have been critical in building the unit’s chemistry.
“Cole’s been doing a great job stepping into that center role,” Campbell said. “I really don’t see much of a difference between Jake (Majors) and Cole.”
Longhorns junior running back Quintrevion Wisner said Campbell’s improvement hasn’t been limited to just on the field.
“I’ve seen the improvement not only as a player, but as a person,” Wisner said. “He’s an offensive lineman we look to whenever we need some juice. He’s that engine to get us going.”
With a season-ending injury to Andre Cojoe earlier in training camp, the position’s depth is being tested sooner than everyone had hoped. Campbell said sophomore Brandon Baker, a former 5-star recruit from Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, reminds him of All-American tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
“He has relentless effort,” Campbell said. “Kelvin was a technique freak, and Baker reminds me of him. He’s doing everything right.”
Campbell gives a lot of credit to Flood, whom he calls “a great teacher.” Campbell said Flood doesn’t just tell people what to do and expect them to follow.
“He’s able to teach and actually have us learn, and know why and what we’re doing,” Campbell said. “For the guys who don’t play right away, they can learn, and then when their time comes, they’ll be ready.”