Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With 15 practice sessions – including the A-Day Game – the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews on marquee players.
As we continue with the series, We want to focus on freshman linebacker, Jihaad Campbell.
Jihaad Campbell
-Classification: Freshman
-Position: Linebacker
-Hometown: Erial, NJ
-Height: 6-3
-Weight: 225 pounds
-Strengths: Versatility, Length, Movement In Open Space, Effective Tackler, Closing Speed
-Weaknesses: Needs To Add More Weight To Frame
Summary for spring practice
Jihaad Campbell checks all the boxes to be an elite defender.
He has solid length at 6-foot-3, he can play sideline to sideline with his exceptional lateral movement, and he makes clean effective tackles in open space. The New Jersey native is even capable of dropping back in coverage to help defend against the pass. The biggest question surrounding the former IMG Academy linebacker is what position he will play for Alabama.
Campbell was rated as a five-star recruit, and he was one of the top edge-rushing prospects in the 2022 recruiting class.
RELATED: Jihaad Campbell Recruiting Profile
IMG Academy allowed Campbell to do a little bit of everything during his time there. He rushed from the edge and was very effective with an explosive first step. He also operated in space really well behind the line of scrimmage as he rarely let ball carriers and quarterbacks get around the corner.
Campbell’s ability to play in the open field may be his biggest strength of the moment along with his impressive pass-coverage skill set. He was called upon to play zone coverage as a traditional inside linebacker and looked natural at the position.
At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, Campbell will benefit from Alabama’s strength and conditioning program. He should be able to add on approximately 15 to 20 pounds and play at a high level.
This spring should serve as a great sneak peek into what Alabama’s plans are for Campbell in the future.
Watch Jihaad Campbell Film Reaction Below:
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Justin Smith is a Scouting/Recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
