‘Now I’m ready’: Veteran Anthony Campbell competing for time on crowded Hurricanes defensive line

Anthony Campbell’s first year at Miami did not go exactly as he would have liked it.

After transferring from Louisiana-Monroe to UM before the 2023 season, t he veteran defensive lineman got on the field for just nine snaps over two games last year. Despite a deep defensive line, Campbell is hoping to play a bigger role this year.

“It was … depressing a little bit because I think I was ready, but I know to focus on myself,” Campbell said. “Coach (Jason) Taylor’s been pushing me, saying, ‘Focus on your footwork’ and all that stuff. He’s been pushing me about stuff like that. So I know I wasn’t ready. But now I’m ready.”

Campbell, a Bartow native, started his college career at Independence Community College in Kansas in 2019 before transferring to ULM, where he played for two seasons before arriving at Miami.

“I had a couple scholarship offers, and Miami just hit home because I’ve got family around here because I’m from Central Florida,” Campbell said. “I’m like ‘It’s home. I don’t want to go anywhere else.’ I’ve been away since 2019.”

Although he did not play much last year, Campbell, a sixth-year senior, said he did go from 290 to 300 pounds, gaining strength and speed in workouts.

“Man, it’s been a process of just trusting the coaches and everybody else around me, like my teammates and everybody pushing me,” Campbell said. “I’ve been trusting the coaches and focusing on the technique and all that stuff and getting better each day.”

Miami has a deep defensive line, led by returning star Rueben Bain Jr., and there are many players competing for playing time. But defensive coordinator Lance Guidry said in early August that Campbell has stood out in fall camp.

“He’s starting to progress. … He’s been flashing a little bit more than he has in the past, which is good,” Guidry said. “I think he knows the defense now a little bit better, so he’s been a good surprise so far.”

\Senior Bowl watch list

The Hurricanes have a deep group of veteran players who are under consideration for the end-of-year Senior Bowl.

The postseason all-star game’s organizers released its preseason watch list, which included 13 Miami players.

The Hurricanes players on the list are:

Tyler Baron, defensive line

Simeon Barrow Jr., defensive line

Andres Borregales, kicker

Sam Brown Jr., wide receiver

Jacolby George, wide receiver

Damien Martinez, running back

Francisco Mauigoa, linebacker

Akheem Mesidor, defensive line

Daryl Porter Jr., defensive back

Mishael Powell, defensive back

Xavier Restrepo, wide receiver

Jalen Rivers, offensive line

Cam Ward, quarterback