Niall Campbell, a linebacker at Chicago Mt. Carmel High School, has signed a national letter of intent to continue his education and football career at Illinois State.
Head coach Denver Johnson is excited about signing Campbell, who was heavily recruited by New Mexico State.
Niall is a true inside linebacker that has a chance to be a cut above-type guy, Johnson said. The coaching staff and players really liked his personality and disposition. He will fit in nicely with our team.
Campbell, a 6-foot-2, 218-pound enforcer on defense, finished his high school career as the 2nd all-time leading tackler in Mt. Carmel history and led his team in tackles for loss his senior season. He garnered all-state honors, all-catholic league honors, was all-area in five different local papers and was named Defensive Player of the Year by the Hammond Times.
A team captain as a senior, Campbell had three interceptions, two touchdowns and two fumble recoveries his final season and was named the team MVP and defensive player of the year. His sophomore and junior years, Mt. Carmel won the state championship.
Hes a hitter, Johnson added. Hes a solid tackler that can move laterally really well. He also has great linebacker instincts and is always around the ball.
