WVU Football Recruiting

Playing at WVU Would be a Dream for WV Native Eli Campbell, Just Not a Lifelong One

Published

1 year ago

January 23, 2023

This West Virginia native may have a chance to live out a dream, even if it’s not one he’s been hoping for his whole life.

High school football across the state of West Virginia doesn’t garner the respect it does in other states throughout the country, causing WVU to be forced to look in other areas for talent when recruiting. But that doesn’t mean the Mountaineers ignore their home state all together. And recently, one West Virginia kid Eli Campbell, an offensive lineman from Princeton, was fortunate enough to receive interest from WVU.

WVSN spoke with Campbell to learn how he was able to draw the attention of WVU head coach Neal Brown and his staff and obtain some insight on what wearing the Old Gold and Blue of West Virginia would actually mean to him.

“I was up to Morgantown for camp this summer and a game, a visit in the Fall. I have a junior day this weekend. Prior to that, Coach (Matt) Moore had come down to school to see me and invite me up. Most of my conversations have been with him. I spoke with Coach Brown a couple of times and he’s mentioned how he’s watched my film and was big fan of my physically and playing style,” detailed about his journey in talking with WVU. Campbell has shown an ability to play both guard and center in high school.

Morgantown WV this weekend. Thank you @CoachMooreWVU @WVUFBRecruiting @Jeffery_Cobb @tiger_princeton @CoachTaylorPSHS @C_Pedigo pic.twitter.com/IpnQd0hDKO
— Eli Campbell (@Eli_Campbell60) January 18, 2023

Campbell then admitted to something that might be surprising to hear from someone who grew up playing football in Princeton, West Virginia, while playing for a major conference program like WVU would be a dream come true, that’s the extent of his dreams about becoming a Mountaineer.

“I’ve always wanted to play football at a high level, and if WVU was the path to that, then it would be the dream. Despite living in WV, I wasn’t the biggest WVU fan growing up; however, after being around the program a lot I’ve grown a strong liking to it,” Campbell explained when asked what playing at Milan Puskar Stadium for WVU would mean to him as a local product.

If Campbell does not end up turning this communication with West Virginia into an offer, he does have other options, including a rival major program. “I’ve been in contact with several schools. I camped at several places this summer including: App State, Navy, and Virginia Tech,” said Campbell. He also attended Junior Day at Marshall last week.

Regardless if he grew up a lifelong WVU fan or not, Campbell surely has the drive and tenacity so often seen in West Virginians that could serve him well, whether or not he becomes a Mountaineer.

Below includes a link to some of Campbell’s highlights.