Star middle linebacker Jack Campbell is back to guide what is arguably Iowa’s most talented position group. The 6-foot-5, 243 pound senior out of Cedar Falls, Iowa, led the nation in tackles last season with 143.
As a result, he’s deservedly been on the receiving end of all sorts of preseason love. Phil Steele and Athlon Sports both like Campbell to repeat as a first-team All-Big Ten selection. In fact, Phil Steele is projecting a first-team All-American season for Campbell.
Campbell has been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watchlist alongside cornerback Riley Moss and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Campbell ranked as his No. 2 inside linebacker on his most recent 2023 NFL draft big board.
Campbell is joined by a talented pair of linebackers in [autotag]Seth Benson[/autotag] and [autotag]Jestin Jacobs[/autotag]. Benson registered 105 tackles last season and Jacobs added 53.
After missing the spring to rehab his knee, Campbell is back, feeling great and ready to lead the Hawkeyes’ defense once more in 2022. He met with Hawk Central and the Iowa media to discuss why this time of year is so important, what he’s sharing with the Hawkeyes’ new defensive faces and his expectations for 2022.