Over the next two weeks leading up to the Sept. 2 opener against Illinois, The Daily Hoosier will take a look at some new players on the 2022 football roster who should see substantial roles, along with returning players who are expected to play or produce at a much higher rate.
The competition for playing time at receiver has been wide open at fall camp following the departure of starters Ty Fryfogle and Miles Marshall.
Cam Camper is an easy name to remember, and it’s a name you hear daily at and around IU football’s fall camp.
The 6-foot-2 JUCO transfer from Lancaster, Texas appears to be on track for significant snaps in 2022.
BACKGROUND
Camper attended Lancaster High School and had no major college offers. He began his college career as a walk-on at Sam Houston State before transferring to Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas. There Camper caught 22 passes for 353 yards and one touchdown as a freshman, and he made 28 receptions for 505 yards with three TDs in 2021.
Camper grew a couple inches following high school and ended up ranked the No. 1 JUCO wide receiver in the country according to the 247Sports Composite.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Receivers coach Adam Henry:
“He’s the one we call ‘Coach Cam’ so he’s always around the offices, always trying to learn the offense and all the intricate details. He’s a guy who doesn’t say much, he just shows up, and goes to work. He works hard, he practices, he doesn’t say much. If he has questions, he’ll ask. But he’s like a coach, we call him ‘Coach Cam’. At some point in time, he’s going to come through the door and say, ‘what’s going on’. So, I’m very pleased.
“He made a great catch in one-on-ones the other day, two days ago, a one-handed catch. So, he’s a guy that’s progressing and continuing to get better. He had a couple good blocks in practice, also, sticking his face in there, and then blocking with his hands and being violent. So, he’s kind of the guy that can go and play receiver but he’s also a good blocker.”
Quarterback Connor Bazelak:
“I love throwing to him. He’s really smooth, a smooth catcher, great soft hands, big target, fast, great separation on the outside and great teammate, great person.”
Quarterback Jack Tuttle:
“Cam Camper has been phenomenal, one of my best friends on the team, and I think he’s going to be a very, very special player for us for sure.”
Camper on going up against Tiawan Mullen and Jaylin Williams at practice:
“It’s been fun. Every day I know I gotta come with it, they’re not going to let up. I know where they’re trying to be and they’re going to get there after this year… They’re going to wake me up a little bit.”
ball game⚔️#LEO @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/9mt54M8zVE
— 6 (@Camp1k_) April 8, 2022
THE OUTLOOK
Long, twitchy, fast and physical, Camper has everyone buzzing, and that has been a constant going back to the spring. His ability to enroll early and join the team in January has no doubt helped his progression.
Running a lot of tempo offense, Indiana will likely rotate receivers heavily, especially early in the season, so whether Camper starts or not, expect to see him on the field plenty. He was listed as a joint No. 1 in the pre-fall camp depth chart out on the edge, and Camper has done nothing to harm that outlook in August.
There is a clear need for receivers with size to complement D.J. Matthews and Emory Simmons in the slot. Among the group 6-foot-2 or taller, Malachi Holt-Bennett, Javon Swinton, Andison Colby have all flashed, and Donaven McCulley’s size and potential is enticing.
But after coming in under the radar via the JUCO route, Camper also seems primed to make an immediate impact.
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