Tyler Roses Son Blooming On His Own
As Austin (Texas) Westlake running back Tyler Campbell sits in the stands and watches his friends on the Chaparral basketball team finish their season, he can't help but be a little envious of their current situation.
While they are in homestretch of their season, he can't help but wish he were in the middle of his season. The thought that his senior season is still months away is enough to drive him up the wall.
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"You watch the basketball guys and they are all having so much fun," Campbell said. "It just makes you want to get out there on the field and play. But, it's still, what, five or six months away? It just makes me want the season to hurry up and get here."
While Campbell can't help thinking about the future, he's not ignoring the present, which for him and his Westlake teammates means a grueling off-season schedule.
"Like every other player, I want to get bigger and stronger," Campbell said. "Right now, my goal is to get a lot stronger and a lot faster before next season."
According to Campbell, the key to the success that the Westlake program has enjoyed in recent years has everything to do with the desire of the players to improve every day and very little to do with great talent.
"If you look at our team there might be three guys that can keep playing football," Campbell said. Our guys want to work hard and they want to have fun. Nobody is trying to play to impress the scouts. We play to have fun."
While Campbell is the definition of the team-first player, he also knows that the college scouts are watching him and he admits to looking forward to the recruiting process.
"I'm getting letters from UT, Iowa, Boston College, Iowa State and Texas A&M so far," Campbell said. "There's still a lot to be determined."
As far as favorites go, Tyler maintains that he's wide open, but admits that the in-state schools look appealing.
"I'm interested in UT and A&M is kind of cool,"
For a moment, Campbell considers the words that just came out of his mouth and starts to laugh.
"I'm going to get killed for saying that," Campbell says while laughing.
Indeed, as the son of one of college football biggest icons and one of Austin's favorite sons, Campbell realizes that a lot of Texas fans would like to see him follow his father's footsteps on to the 40 Acres.
However, it says a lot about Campbell's love for the game that he's willing to keep all of his options open.
"It doesn't matter to me if it's Division III football," Campbell said. "I just want to play college football. I really and truly am kind of waiting to see what happens, but I just want to play."
As for his father, Campbell said that he stresses to him the importance of being his own man and making decisions that are best for him and not anyone else.
"He stresses to me to try and get out of his shadow," Campbell said. "He tells me that the University of Texas is a great school, but I have to make a decision for myself and not do what other people want me to do."
At this point, it's far too early to know exactly what will happen. But, one thing is certain - Campbell will continue to eye the upcoming season with great anticipation.
"I just can't wait to play again," Campbell said.