Top-rated guard Devon Campbell picks Texas football over OU on National Signing Day
Devon Campbell, the highly recruited 5-star offensive guard from Arlington Bowie, announced his commitment with the University of Texas over Oklahoma on National Signing Day Wednesday.
“I chose Texas over OU because one of the main things was they were the first big school to offer me and they always showed love to me,” Campbell said. “Even with the new coaching staff, they always stayed on me and said I was a big priority for the football program.
“I want to go out and compete and earn a spot my freshman year.”
Campbell also said that the last two months in Norman with the departure of coach Lincoln Riley, quarterback Caleb Williams and other players didn’t play a big factor into his decision.
“His skill set definitely fits what Texas wants,” Bowie head coach Joseph Sam said. “I think he fits the culture coach Sark wants, all gas no breaks and if you watch DJ’s film, he’s always all gas and no breaks.”
After receiving more than 30 offers, mostly from the best programs in the country like Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Texas Tech and TCU, Campbell decided on Oklahoma and Texas as his two finalists.
At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Campbell has been a key part in the Bowie offense for the past four years and has received numerous accolades, including playing in the All-American game and being named all-district offensive lineman of the year.
“I started at Bowie and finished here so that’s a good thing,” Campbell said. “I’ve been in this city since I was a little baby so to just come out and make it, it feels good.”
Bowie offensive line coach Joseph Williams said Campbell is the best lineman he’s been around.
“Most talented and athletic. The total package,” Williams said. “He has a high motor and runs better than any other lineman I’ve seen. Just unbelievable. He puts us on his back a lot of times.
“You feel really confident running the ball behind DJ.”
Campbell is also ranked by 247Sports as the third-best football player in Texas for the Class of 2022 and ninth overall in the nation.
Texas currently ranks as fifth in the country for its 2022 commitment class and No. 1 in the Big 12 with an average rating of 90.5. The Longhorns also get three others from Arlington, Martin’s Trevell Johnson and Myles Hill, and Seguin’s Xavion Brice.
“I knew whoever was going to get him, was going to be very happy,” Williams said.
Added Sam, “Coaching a kid like Devon...special and they standout, but he also doesn’t want to make himself above the team and that’s a great attribute to have. He has a skill set that’s very unique.
“Most of the time you think o-linemen, it’s a big dude that’s athletic. DJ is an athletic dude that’s big.”
This story was originally published February 2, 2022 at 4:13 PM.
