Former Alouettes defensive back Campbell signs deal with New York Jets

Campbell had 21 tackles, two interceptions and two TDs in 10 games last season with Montreal, who released Campbell on Thursday so he could pursue NFL opportunities. The six-foot, 195-pound Toronto native also spent time in the CFL with Calgary and Saskatchewan, recording 53 tackles, nine special-teams tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack from 2015-2018.

“I feel like the first time I was fresh out of Canadian university and I think that kind of held me back a little because I’d only played two years (with the Regina Rams),” Campbell said via telephone. “I’ve played more, started a lot more games and experienced a lot more the last four years.”

Also on Friday, Ottawa Redblacks receiver/kick-returner Diontae Spencer signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Edmonton released star wide receiver D’haquille (Duke) Williams to pursue an opportunity south of the border.

Campbell raised eyebrows at the 2015 CFL combine when he posted a record 40-yard dash time of 4.35 seconds. That effort would’ve left Campbell tied for fifth among defensive backs at last year’s NFL combine as LSU’s Donte Jackson, Ohio State’s Denzel Ward and Tulane’s Parry Nickerson all finished tied for first overall at 4.32 seconds.

Cincinnati Bengals receiver John Ross holds the NFL combine 40-yard dash record of 4.22 seconds set in 2017.

The Stampeders ultimately selected Campbell in the third round, No. 22 overall, in the ’15 CFL draft.

Campbell is hardly a one-sport star. He ran track at Regina and in 2016 was Canadian university’s fastest man after winning the 60-metre crown in 6.67 seconds, a school record and personal-best time.

And last year Campbell played for Canada’s national rugby-sevens squad. He scored his first try in the World Rugby Sevens Series during a 22-14 loss to Samoa last February in Hamilton, New Zealand.

This off-season Campbell had altered his training to ensure he was reaching his peak in time for his NFL workouts. With a signed contract in hand, Campbell is gladly reverting back to training like a football player.

It’s unclear whether Campbell will get the nod at cornerback or defensive back once the Jets begin preparations for the 2019 season. But Campbell is confident he has the skillset needed to make it in the NFL.

“I think I’m a very explosive defensive back with a lot of speed,” he said. “I believe that will be an added plus in the NFL.”

The Jets are currently a team in flux. Head coach Todd Bowles was fired earlier this week after the team finished last in the AFC East with a 4-12 record.

But Campbell isn’t worrying about who the Jets will hire to replace Bowles.

“Just trusting my abilities and what I bring to the table,” he said. “I’ve been cut and traded before and if I ever experienced any disbelief in myself I would’ve given up on this dream.

“But I never did and I kept working.”

Campbell knows Kacy Rogers, who remains the Jets defensive co-ordinator, at least for now. Campbell and Rogers’ son, Kacy II, were Roughriders teammates in 2016.

“Kacy and I became very close in Regina so I feel like I have a bit of a connection there (with elder Rogers),” Campbell said. “But I feel like I’m kind of starting from scratch here so showing what I can do and what I bring to the table will be more important (than who Jets hire as head coach).”

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Former Alouettes defensive back Campbell signs deal with New York Jets

Our Community