Interview: 3-Star 2021 California WR Jessie Campbell Updates Workouts and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Throughout the 2019 season, when Mater Dei Catholic needed to move the chains or sought a score in the red zone Jessie Campbell was there to make a play. The 6-2, 185-pound, target made the most out of 21 receptions extending that over 403 yards reaching the end zone nine times. He doubled on defense tallying 15 stops with one pass defended.
With nine offers to choose from, the three-star recruit recently decommitted from Army opening his recruiting process up. Talking about his offseason workouts and recruiting process, Campbell came by the RNG Lab for another in-depth conversation.
*Click link for Aug. 17 RNG interview with Jessie Campbell
Interview
Jessie, we caught up back in August then going over all the areas of your game that you’d been working during the offseason. Let’s get back into that. As a receiver, what have you continued to focus on with the small details to your game?
I’ve been mainly focused on my route running and looking in the ball before making a move. I have also been working on my speed and getting stronger.
Are there any odd or different workouts that you’ve been doing to enhance your skills, like catching a tennis ball or squeezing rice for hand strength?
Yes, I have been catching tennis balls at the park almost every day. I do a hand squeezing thing for my wrist to build strength. I can add weight and pounds to it building my hand and wrist strength.
Your speed has always been a trademark to your abilities on the field. What have you been doing to push your physical talents forward in that area?
Some of the workouts are plyometrics, jumping hurdles, using medicine balls – slamming them, squats, a lot of bench press, dumbbell curls, and dumbbell press. The focus has been on my upper and lower body trying to make myself more explosive.
The last 40-yard dash time I have for you is a blazing 4.47, have you had a chance to post a new 40?
No, but I plan to run a new 40 in the coming weeks. I’ve been doing a lot of speed training. I have gotten better with my technique and I want to showcase my speed in the coming weeks.
Last time we also spoke about how you and 2021 QB Trevor Appleman have been working together to build that great chemistry even further. How often are you guys getting together to throw?
Trevor and I have been going to the field almost every day. Both of us work on the route tree, and all the routes in our playbook. I text him every day, and he texts me. All we do is work and work to build that unstoppable chemistry.
Let’s jump into recruiting. As a senior with a big decision coming up, what are you looking for in that next level fit?
For me, I want to go to a place where it feels like home. A nice environment with good people. I want to see the town. On the athletic side of it, I want a place where I have a chance to shine and a place where I fit. My ideal fit includes a place where the coaches and players respect one another. That is the main thing for me when it comes to my ideal fit.
How many offers do you have now?
Nine.
Which program was the most recent to offer?
University of San Diego.
Campbell’s Offer Sheet: Air Force, Army, Holy Cross, Idaho, Morgan State, New Mexico, Southern Utah, University of San Diego, and William & Mary
As the 2020 season nears, which schools are showing interest ready to see you in action?
Cal-Poly, Fresno State, Nevada, UNLV, and San Diego State – a lot of Mountain West Conference programs. In the Pac-12, Washington State is showing interest. Those are the main schools I have been talking to recently.
Hopefully, visits will be allowed again in 2021 before National Signing Day. Assuming that happens, are there some schools you’d like to see in-person?
Some schools I’d like to see includes Cal-Poly, Fresno State, Nevada. I have been to SDSU plenty of times, but it would be nice to visit my hometown schools as well.
Last question. What separates you from other 2021 receivers?
What separates me, I feel like I have the most heart in the whole nation. I feel like no other person in the nation has as much heart as I do. I am so dedicated to the game, because it means so much to me. Another thing that separates me is my upside, my speed, and my route running has improved – it is much crisper. That is what separates me from the rest.
Jessie, always great getting to spend time with you. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Campbell family; Jessie Campbell