This past week, I had the great pleasure to speak with a player, scholar and a gentleman in Julian Campenni, the starting nose tackle this past season for the University of Connecticut. Julian will be one of those players when in training camp that NFL teams just have to find a spot on their roster for him because he gives 110% and is coachable. He’s a “yes sir” kind of guy who brings his lunchbox and hard hat to work and doesn’t stop until the whistle is blown.
FD: What is your official height, weight and max bench?
JC: I am 6-0, 310 pounds and 31 reps.
FD: How much do you think the red-shirt year helped you?
JC: It was very beneficial for me helping me in so many ways to watch the older guys in front of me. I got the chance to sit, watch and learn from a guy like Kendall Reyes (currently with the Washington Redskins) and see the work he put in.
FD: What was your toughest class at the University of Connecticut?
JC: Statistics. I’m OK with numbers but that’s just too much numbers.
FD: If scouts want to see you at your best what film are you giving them?
JC: Houston my senior year and Central Florida and Temple my junior year
FD: What age did you start playing football?
JC: I was seven.
FD: Who was your favorite player growing up?
JC: Loved watching Warren Sapp
FD: Who was the best player you faced?
JC: Teddy Bridgewater
FD: Where was your favorite place to play on the road?
JC: Although I only played their once, Louisville was really cool. It was super loud and they had Teddy Bridgewater so it was a battle.
FD: What are your plans after football is over?
JC: Coach Poindexter has offered me a grad assistant spot so I may take that and then work at getting my masters.
FD: What are your plans during the draft?
JC: I’ll watch it will my family and just wait to see what my future holds.
FD: What the best advice you received as a player?
JC: Master your craft. What the coach meant was not just football but whatever you choose in life.
FD: Who was your role model growing up?
JC: My mother and my uncle. My uncle was like a father figure and a big brother to me. Always there for me whenever I needed him. My mother what can I say about her. She was amazing. She was the best as a single parent she did it all and just inspires me.
FD: Are you on twitter and if what’s your name?