Spring Break
Campbell returning to freshman form
Lineman is starting for ECU again
Hart Holloman
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: Sports
When Terence Campbell takes the field for the Pirates, it's more than just a good player getting a chance to play college football.
For those who don't know his story, Campbell was a starting tackle for the Pirates as a freshman in 2006, and was selected for the C-USA All-Freshman team at the end of the season. However, in February of 2007, after feeling numbness in his chest and arms, he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his heart. Two days later, he underwent surgery to relieve a condition called acute coronary thrombosis. The surgery was successful, but his athletic future was uncertain. He was forced to sit out the rest of the year, unable to run, lift weights or play any kind of football.
"It was kind of difficult at first, just wanting to do the things you used to do and not being able to; [it] was tough," said Campbell.
He recovered from the surgery, and his heart was fully functional when doctors cleared him to participate this January.
"It took a lot of work [getting back]," Campbell said. "It took a lot of time and patience trying not to get back too fast. That was the most difficult thing."
Now Campbell is back, and focused on helping the Pirates achieve victory. He began the season as a back up, but managed a lot of playing time in the rotational system used by the coaching staff. However, an injury to starting tackle Stanley Bryant forced Campbell into the starting role he enjoyed as a freshman two years ago. You won't hear Campbell complaining; to him, the transition is nothing more than stepping up and contributing what he can to the team.
"I've been preparing myself each week as if I was a starter," said Campbell. "With the number of plays I play it wasn't much of a big difference. But I just felt like I needed to step up and help this team out any way I can."
And while some people may have reservations about his continuing to play after his health issues, Campbell is certainly not one of them.
For those who don't know his story, Campbell was a starting tackle for the Pirates as a freshman in 2006, and was selected for the C-USA All-Freshman team at the end of the season. However, in February of 2007, after feeling numbness in his chest and arms, he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his heart. Two days later, he underwent surgery to relieve a condition called acute coronary thrombosis. The surgery was successful, but his athletic future was uncertain. He was forced to sit out the rest of the year, unable to run, lift weights or play any kind of football.
"It was kind of difficult at first, just wanting to do the things you used to do and not being able to; [it] was tough," said Campbell.
He recovered from the surgery, and his heart was fully functional when doctors cleared him to participate this January.
"It took a lot of work [getting back]," Campbell said. "It took a lot of time and patience trying not to get back too fast. That was the most difficult thing."
Now Campbell is back, and focused on helping the Pirates achieve victory. He began the season as a back up, but managed a lot of playing time in the rotational system used by the coaching staff. However, an injury to starting tackle Stanley Bryant forced Campbell into the starting role he enjoyed as a freshman two years ago. You won't hear Campbell complaining; to him, the transition is nothing more than stepping up and contributing what he can to the team.
"I've been preparing myself each week as if I was a starter," said Campbell. "With the number of plays I play it wasn't much of a big difference. But I just felt like I needed to step up and help this team out any way I can."
And while some people may have reservations about his continuing to play after his health issues, Campbell is certainly not one of them.
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