Gophers decide bigger will be better at middle linebacker

Lee Campbell moves to the middle from defensive end, replacing senior Deon Hightower, who has more experience but less size. Summary.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: August 22, 2008 - 7:01 AM

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Season opener: vs. Northern Illinois • 6 p.m. Aug. 30 • Metrodome • TV: Big Ten Network (830-AM)

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As the Gophers near their Aug. 30 season opener against Northern Illinois, the coaching staff still is trying to shore up a defense that allowed more points and yards a year ago than any other Big Ten team.

Gophers coach Tim Brewster said Thursday that Lee Campbell, a junior, has been moved from defensive end -- where he played last season and through most of camp this summer -- to the starting middle linebacker job.

"The thought there is putting our best 11 players on the field defensively," Brewster said. "That and getting a bigger physical presence at the [middle] linebacker spot. He is a downhill guy in the box who is going to really be a physical presence in there. I think that helps us across the board."

The fallout means Deon Hightower, the Gophers' most experienced defensive player, will be competing for a starting spot at one outside position with fellow senior and team co-captain Steve Davis. Junior college transfer Simoni Lawrence is a lock to start at the other outside linebacker position.

"We're just trying to improve as a defense, get some speed out there, make some moves," Davis said. "Guys are being team players right now. Everybody is trying to do their role so we have a better defensive unit."

Campbell for his part is ecstatic about the move.

"I'm extremely comfortable there," the 6-3, 256-pounder said, only three practices into the new spot. "I played linebacker my entire life."

Well, most of it. Campbell was a high school linebacker in Naples, Fla., but moved to defensive end last season because the Gophers lacked depth at the position with Willie VanDeSteeg struggling because of injuries.

"It's just another challenge they throw at you," Campbell said of the move. "I'm happy to take it on. I want that responsibility. I want to be in position to lead this defense. I'm extremely excited."

Though the move gives the Gophers a potential starting linebacker corps of Davis, Campbell and Lawrence, there likely will be plenty of snaps for several linebackers because the Gophers figure to use a three-man front frequently. Davis can act as a stand-up end in 3-4 sets, and Hightower, at 6-3 and 226 pounds, is capable of playing multiple linebacker positions and should get good playing time.

But the quest to improve defensively will be built around Campbell.

"All great defenses I've been around had a fiery, vocal, physical [middle] linebacker," Brewster said. "And he fits the mold of all that."