Jaguars reporter on ninth training camp practice, Hunter on offense
Jacksonville Jaguars beat reporter Demetrius Harvey breaks down the ninth day of training camp.
Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell is focusing on the present after missing 11 games over the past two seasons due to injuries.Campbell has gained muscle this offseason, now weighing 205 pounds, but maintains his speed and quickness.The veteran corner has impressed in training camp, consistently performing well and challenging receivers like Brian Thomas Jr.
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Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell wants to live in the present.
Over the last two years, the fifth-year corner has dealt with numerous injuries, ultimately costing him 11 games over the previous two seasons combined, including five games in 2024. Both ailments he dealt with were of the soft-tissue variety, something that tends to nag athletes more than other types of injuries.
The veteran corner isn’t reeling from past ailments, though; he’s grateful for what’s happened.
“I’m grateful for it, you know? It’s allowed me to be mentally tough. It’s allowed me to be present and learn to be where my feet are, and realize what God is trying to teach me through each and every moment, so that I know the trouble don’t last always, so when I do get through the storm, I’m mentally mature and mentally strong to go throgh anything,” Campbell said when asked about his past injuries and what his mindset moving forward is.
“I’m grateful for it, you know, it’s behind me. Being present and excited for this year.”
Campbell has been the team’s top corner since he was drafted at the top of the second round in the 2021 NFL Draft. His best season came in 2022 when he started all 17 games, accounting for a career-high 15 pass breakups and three interceptions.
That year, Campbell finished as Pro Football Focus’ seventh-highest-graded corner in the NFL. He allowed just 58.5% of passes completed when thrown in his direction, according to the stat collection website.
So far, Campbell has received high praise from his defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile, and the veteran defensive back returned the favor when it was his turn at the podium on Sunday.
“He’s a really competitive guy at the point of attack. There’s a guy who’s had success in this league, and he loves to be coached. It doesn’t matter. He’s not sitting still. If he’s got downtime, he’s doing footwork,” Campanile noted.
“He goes out there and tries to compete against our best players every day, challenges himself, always asking questions, and is certainly demanding of himself. Critical in the most positive way, watching his technique every day and trying to get better. Those are the guys you love coaching. I’m fortunate to have a guy like that.”
Campbell is excited to play in this year’s scheme, saying he likes everything about it, noting that it plays to the player’s versatility and how it plays to everyone’s strengths. But what he’s really excited about is playing for coach Campanile, someone he called a “heck of a coach.”
“He’s the type of coach you would run through a wall for. He brings that energy every day. It’s consistent. So, that’s how you know it’s genuine. He hasn’t changed one bit. Very intentional and believes in each and every one of his players. You can’t ask for a better coach like that who trusts you and believes in you and wants to get the best out of you,” Campbell said.
Tyson Campbell puts on weight during offseason, stays fast
One notable difference between Campbell this year and last is that he looks just ever so slightly bigger and more physical. That’s something Campbell wanted to work on this year, adding some muscle and weighing in at 205 pounds. Campbell has been listed at 195 pounds in the past, so he could have gained an additional 10 pounds.
“I would say I did kind of up it a little bit more. I added a couple of pounds of muscle. I’m 205 now, so I’m feeling good at that. I changed a little bit, but pretty much kept it the same. Just tried to work on speed, strength, mobility and keeping my diet clean as well,” Campbell said.
The veteran corner noted that he can feel the difference, but still feels just as fast and quick as he has in the past.
“So it’s good weight,” he noted.
The added weight might not have much to do with his shut-down ability, but he could claim it if he wanted to. Throughout camp, Campbell has been one of the most consistent players on the team and has not been beat through nine practices, including Friday’s scrimmage.
Campbell has made it tough for receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who again expressed frustration during practice on Sunday.
Campbell was asked about his matchups with Thomas and said it’s a matter of “iron sharpens iron.”
“Heck of a receiver. Dyami [WR Dyami Brown], we have a bunch of great receivers. So, just going against them each and every day, you’ve got to bring your A-game. That helps me mentally knowing that I can’t take any days off. I’ve got to bring it each and every day and each and every play,” Campbell said.
The Jaguars return to practice on Tuesday, Aug. 5. That will be the final opportunity for fans to watch the team up close and personal until next year’s training camp.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Demetrius82 or on Bluesky @ Demetrius.
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