Life After UNI: 21 Questions With Elijah Campbell

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – A menace in the secondary, Elijah Campbell earned his fair share of highlight-reel hits and big plays for the Panther defense during his time at Northern Iowa.

Campbell was rewarded for his sensational senior year with five All-American honors, while also earning All-MVFC First Team laurels as well in 2017. The senior defensive back collected 51 tackles, while earning 12 pass breakups which are tied for the ninth-most in a season at UNI.

The St. Paul, Minnesota native was most notably known for being a turnover machine, earning five interceptions and forcing three fumbles (tied for 14th in the FCS). Fans will remember Campbell for his aggressive play and passion that he brought to the field every game as a Panther.

Now that his UNI career has concluded, Campbell looks to a new goal of earning a spot in the NFL. If his passion is any indication, he will surely cross that goal off his list in the coming months. Campbell took time out of his busy schedule, to talk about his experience at UNI, the team's chemistry and of course that one hit that went viral.

Q: How have you been filling your time after graduation?
A: I've been down in Dallas, Texas training at Michael Johnson Performance Center, trying to get prepared for the NFL.

Q: Last season you had a few big hits. Which one was your favorite?
A: I would have to say my hit against Youngstown State's running back was my favorite. The way the UNI-Dome and the team fed off that hit was something special. Plus, it also went viral, so I got quite a bit of recognition for it.

Q: What goes through your mind after hearing the crowd's reaction to a good hit?
A: Honestly, I try not to let the fans get to me too much because then you're not focused on the next play. But sometimes when you're in the UNI-Dome you can't help it. The place gets so loud and your adrenaline just starts pumping. The feeling is unexplainable.

Q: How rewarding was it to receive multiple All-American honors last season?
A: I am honored and grateful for all the committees that selected me as an All-American. I feel like all my hard work was finally being recognized. At the same time, it's just another accolade and I try not to focus too much on those things.

Q: If football doesn't pan out, what other future plans or passions do you have?
A: I firmly believe that if you spend time focusing on a secondary plan, then you're not putting enough effort into your primary plan. So, as of now I am only focusing on making the NFL and I won't hesitate to do so. I am fortunate enough to know a lot of people through networking, which will put me in a good position if things don't pan out, but I will only focus on pursuing that if it comes to it.

Q: What is the one area on/off the field that you improved the most from your time at UNI?
A: I think what I improved the most was my knowledge for the game. Coach Jeremiah Johnson has taught me a lot in the past two years, which was my downfall at previous schools.

Q: How did the turnaround to last season feel?
A: It almost felt liberating. There is nothing worse than a talented team that can't fulfill their potential. I felt like that was the big difference maker this year. It seemed like we had a lot more chemistry, which allowed us to play more fluently. There were moments this year where I truly believe nobody in the country could have beat us. It's a special feeling when your whole team is clicking. Not only does it produce wins, but it brings the team closer to each other and builds comradery.

Q: What things did the team do/say to go on that win streak down the stretch?
A: We had a plan; take it one game at a time, and make our way up the pyramid. At the top of the pyramid was the ultimate goal of a national championship and the only way to get there is to win every week, one game at a time. Unfortunately, we fell short of our goal, but I can say that was some amazing football we played and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Q: Looking back on your career at UNI, what are you most proud of?
A: The thing I'm most proud of is the relationships I was able to build in less than two years. Football will have to end at some point, but my relationships with some of these players and coaches will follow me to my grave.

Q: What makes the UNI-Dome special?
A: That dome was something special. I have nothing but love for the community of Cedar Falls and how loyal some of those fans are. There's no telling how many defensive stops are credited to those fans. I wish we could have kept track of how many false starts were forced by the fans. Not a lot of FCS schools are fortunate enough to have played in beautiful environment like the UNI-Dome and I am forever grateful for all the students, parents, alumni and season ticket holders, that made that dome so magical.

Q: Four years ago, did you see your college career playing out the way it did?
A: I would've never predicted I'd play for three different teams by the time I graduated. But one thing about me is, I always knew I was going to prove myself. The name of the institution or the color of the jersey doesn't matter. When I got on that football field, I knew I had one job and that was to compete at the best of my ability.

Q: Who do you think was most responsible for your development at UNI?
A: I have to give credit to Coach Jeff Burris for elevating my game to a whole new level. He taught me so much from his personal experiences in the NFL and not many people are fortunate enough to have that. I also have to give credit to Coach JJ, without him I don't know if I would be where I'm at. He taught me the dynamics of football and gave me the knowledge that helped me play to my full potential. Not only did they help my game, but they both believed in me, and that meant so much to me.

Q: What is your most memorable game at UNI?
A: I have to say when we beat Iowa State in the 2016 season. It was my first game starting in college football and also for UNI. Not only that, it meant so much to the program and the UNI fans across the state. At that moment I felt like I was officially accepted into the Panther family. I remember Coach Mark Farley coming up to me after the game to give me a big hug and tell me how glad he was to have me.

Q: Looking ahead to next year, how do you think the 2018 Panthers will do?
A: I have nothing but high hopes for those group of young men. I see so much potential in some of those players and I'm excited to see them play. One thing I do know for sure is my boys in the defensive backfield are going to handle business. They have some big footsteps to fill, but the good thing is that I'm more than confident they will do so.

Q: Who is one player on the roster that you think will be a breakout player next year?
A: I'm probably being a little bias towards my DB's but Nikholi Jaghai is one heck of a player and I see him having a breakout season next year.

Q: What legacy did you think you left at UNI?
A: I'm not too worried about my personal legacy. If there was any legacy to remember it was the 2017 Panther Football team. I just hope that I personally had an effect on the younger players to improve their game, but also learn from all of my mistakes. I want to see someone better than Elijah Campbell. I had my time and I enjoyed it, but now it's time for those current players to build their own legacy. If there's anything I wish could be mimicked from my game, it's the passion and attitude I played with.

Q: If you could go back four years and give yourself advice, what would you say?
A: To trust in the process and that it will all pay off in the future. You only have to sacrifice four years of your life to put you in the position you've always dreamed of. Don't make it difficult on yourself.

Q: What was the toughest moment at UNI and how did you overcome it?
A: My toughest moment was our last game against SDSU. There's nothing worse than seeing your family in such a tough position. I will never forget how that locker room felt. But one way we overcame it was by having each other's backs. It actually built some of our relationships and made us closer.

Q: How would it feel to achieve your dream of playing in the NFL?
A: It would feel like getting an A on your final exam. Except this has been my "final exam" throughout my entire life and all the blood, sweat and tears have finally paid off.

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself this time next year?
A: I not only hope, but plan to see myself active on an NFL roster and enjoying my life with my beautiful son Zakai and lovely girlfriend Anisse.

Q: What message do you have for your teammates, coaches and Panther nation?
A: I just have to say I'm grateful for every single one of the players and all the coaching staff. I'm always a phone call away and I'll do anything in my power to help you players out in chasing your dreams. For the coaches, I'm just thankful that you stood behind me and believed in me. I've never had a good relationship with my coaches until I got here. You guys accepted me into your family and I love each and every one of you for that. I will do everything in my power to represent UNI the best way possible.

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Life After UNI: 21 Questions With Elijah Campbell

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