Published On:Wednesday, September 08, 2010

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

WITH the NCAA sporting calendar underway for the fall 2010 semester, football is the first major sport contested. And one Bahamian is looking to take a more prominent role with his club.

August Campbell began his red shirt sophomore season with the Duke Blue Devils on a successful note as his team easily moved to 1-0 on the young season.

The Blue Devils scored a 41-27 blowout win over Elon University Phoenix at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham North, Carolina.

Campbell came off the bench to make an impact on the stat sheet with four tackles - three solo and a sack.

Two of Campbell's tackles were for a total of eight yards while his sack went for a loss of four yards.

He was tied for third on the team in tackles and led with tackles for a loss and sacks.

The Blue Devils took a 14-3 lead after the opening quarter and outscored their opponents 13-10 in the second, with a scoreless third and 14 points from each team in the fourth quarter.

Campbell first saw action on the opening kickoff in special teams duty when he tackled Lance Camp after a return of 18 yards.

His biggest play of the game came early in the second quarter when he sacked Phoenix quarterback Scott Riddle sacked for loss of four yards.

His final pair of tackles came in the third quarter, both after completed passes to Brandon Newsome, one for a loss of four yards and the other after a gain of 10 yards.

Campbell enters this season as the top reserve at weak side linebacker and after an impressive performance in game one made a case for increased playing time.

He registered a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical jump in post spring practice testing.

In his freshman campaign with the Blue Devils, Campbell played in three games, at Army, Kansas and North Carolina Central, but missed the remainder of the season due to a shoulder injury, but was granted a hardship waiver.

The 20-year-old linebacker left for the US as a baseball player after a promising early career on the diamond in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Campbell starred in baseball for Christ School before making the transition to football. He was a three-year letterman at Christ School, three-time all-conference and two-time all-state selection.

His stellar senior campaign which led to his signing with the Blue Devils included 91 tackles, four sacks, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and an astounding four defensive touchdowns.

He helped lead Christ School to consecutive state playoff berths in 2007 and 2008 and his high school career totals include 237 tackles, 16 sacks, seven interceptions and seven fumble recoveries and six defensive touchdowns.

The Blue Devils next match up will be on the road against in-state rival Wake Forest University on September 11. They will follow with the biggest game of the schedule at home against the top ranked Alabama Crimson Tide, which is slated to be aired on ABC 3:30pm September 18.