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Air it Out to Arrington

Written by Bill Randall

Saturday, May 17, 2008

In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, former Univ. of Michigan wide receivers coach Erik Campbell provides a key inside perspective on Adrian Arrington.

B&G.com: Coach Campbell, we appreciate your taking time out of your very busy schedule to speak with us.

Coach Campbell: It's my pleasure.

B&G.com: You were Arrington's coach at "Big Blue" (Michigan), but you've since moved on.

Coach Campbell: Yes, I accepted a job at the University of Iowa (Hawkeyes), and I'm now their Wide Recievers & Tight Ends coach.

B&G.com: Coach, the NFL draft is a special time for college athletes, and not all players get invited to compete at the next level. For you, which team gave you a shot?

Coach Campbell: I was a cornerback in college, and was fortunate enough to be invited to the Green Bay Packers' camp. I was an UDFA, but was excited about the opportunity.

B&G.com: Scouting reports give Adrian some "props," when they talk about his performance in the Capital One Bowl (vs. Florida), but a lot of them have their doubts about his ability to make it in the NFL. Some talk about his reluctance to go across the middle, while others speak of his running undisciplined routes. How are these comments answered?

Coach Campbell: Well, since I spent a lot of time with Adrian (in practice and in game situations), I feel I'm qualified to address this. Those so-called "concerns" are about as 180-out from the truth as they can be. Arrington has absolutely no fear in going over the middle or anywhere to get the ball. And if you want to know about his route running, all you have to do is see his performance vs. Florida. In my opinion, he's one of our toughest guys, very disciplined, and productive.

B&G.com: Your number-one guy was Mario Manningham. Is it right or fair for others to compare Arrington to him?

Coach Campbell: Not really. This is because both are uniquely skilled and talented players. Manningham is a much smaller, fleet of foot-type receiver. Adrian, on the other hand, offers a bigger target that can also stretch the field. It depends on what a team is looking for. In my opinion, Adrian will be very successful in his own right.

B&G.com: What was the most impressive performance you witnessed with Adrian Arrington, if you can believe I don't already know (both laugh).

Coach Campbell: Yes, there's no question that his most remarkable performance was in our last bowl game (Capital One Bowl) vs. Florida. I think you can still see it on YouTube. But one thing that many don't talk about is the fact that Adrian was getting deep and behind the Gators' coverage (which had one of the fastest secondaries in the country).

B&G.com: How does Adrian handle opponents (cornerbacks) who "talk trash" on the field?

Coach Campbell: He's not intimidated at all. But he lets his play do the talking.

B&G.com: What gives you confidence that Arrington will make it in the NFL?

Coach Campbell: The thing that will be the most challenging is the speed of the game (in the NFL). But he'll work hard, and will undoubtedly get better. He puts in the time (going over routes, film, and conditioning). You may not know this, but Adrian has worked this offseason with Braylon Edwards (Cleveland Browns), and it was a positive experience for him. So his interaction with the veterans on the Saints' squad will have him listening and eager to pick up even more.

B&G.com: Coach, I think you're on to something there because Adrian Arrington and Sedrick Ellis (USC) have been two standouts in the Saints' recent rookie Mini Camp. Coach Sean Payton was very impressed, and the Saints' fan base is buzzing.

Coach Campbell: I'm not surprised at all.

B&G.com: How much has Adrian done with community involvement?

Coach Campbell: He was very active in a program called "Women's' 500 Academy," which is a camp for women to participate in and learn more about the game of football. The proceeds from the academy go towards cancer research, so it's a great event to support. Link: ttp://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/about/womens_football_academy.shtml
Adrian is also involved in fundraising efforts for Children's Hospital. So there's a good chance he'll find some outreach effort down there in the Big Easy.

B&G.com: How is he in the locker-room. Is he a quiet leader, or what?

Coach Campbell: He's "one of the guys." He'll laugh it up, and be light-hearted like anyone else. But when it comes down to taking care of business on the field, he's very focused.

B&G.com: Coach Campbell, we again say "thanks" for taking time out of your busy recruiting schedule to provide this special insight on Adrian Arrington. All the best to you and the Hawkeyes in the future.

Coach Campbell: You're welcome; all the best to the Saints.