Jihaad Campbell Declares for NFL Draft

Alabama's leading tackler from the 2024 college football season, Jihaad Campbell, exploded onto the scene as a sophomore in 2023 for Alabama and dominated the 2024 season for the Crimson Tide. Now, Campbell will take his talents to the league, declaring for the 2025 NFL draft.

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After a highly successful 2023 campaign, Campbell took his play to another level in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. Campbell played inside linebacker alongside Deontae Lawson, but he also was Alabama's best pass rusher during the 2024 season. He totaled a team-leading 119 tackles, a staggering 12 tackles for loss, a team-leading five sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one interception, and one fumble recovery as the top defender for Alabama in 2024.

The 6-foot-3, 244-pound linebacker was named First-Team All-SEC in 2024 and is graded as a high second-round prospect in the NFL draft according to Bleacher Report's draft evaluation.

Bleacher Report's Matt Holder wrote on Campbell,

"Campbell moves very well to be effective in coverage, especially when playing zone. He shows good eye discipline to locate threats coming into his area and can read the quarterback's eyes to tighten throwing windows. He also has the change of direction and acceleration to break and close on routes to make tackles for short gains or get PBUs.

Against the run, the Alabama product could benefit from some more experience as he still struggles against eye candy. Also, he has issues staying in his gap when taking on blocks from offensive linemen and good blocking tight ends. That's partially due to inconsistencies with his use of hands, but he has long arms to get off blocks when he does get his hands up.

Campbell also has some position versatility as the Crimson Tide would have him lineup on the edge and rush the passer. He adds value as a pass-rusher, both on the edge and as a blitzer, and thus would be best playing for a creative defensive coordinator who uses him at multiple spots at the next level"

Wyatt Fulton is the TIde 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.