Will he or won’t he?
You remember massive offensive tackle Bruce Campbell writhing on the ground in pain during the third quarter of Saturday’s 24-21 win against Clemson. At the time, you feared the worst. Maybe the MCL injury could be a season-ender? Then came word Tuesday that coach Ralph Friedgen wasn’t ruling him out of Saturday’s game at Wake Forest. Now, you just don’t know what to think.
We know some things for sure. If Campbell does miss his third game of the season, Paul Pinegar will move to left tackle and R.J. Dill will slide in at right tackle. True freshmen Nick Klemm and Pete de Souza will be on call just in case.
But as I talked to those who will be affected by the move this week, I gathered some more perspectives on what it’s like not knowing if there’s going to be a 6-foot-7, 310-pound hole in the line this week.
Davin Meggett- The running back will be shouldering more of the role than usual with Da’Rel Scott out and having Campbell would surely make his life easier. Meggett wouldn’t comment on how Bruce looked at practice early in the week, but in principle, he thinks the tackle has a good shot. “I feel as if Bruce is a big guy and a little nick here and there might not stop Bruce. I don’t think any little nick or any little something will stop Bruce.’
Tom Brattan- Before Campbell missed his first game of the season with a turf toe injury, the Terp offensive line coach wasn’t shy about telling reporters that his unit was preparing to be without its starting left tackle. Wednesday, he seemed less certain about the future. Brattan indicated Campbell has done some practice work but hasn’t fully participated. That said, play-calling and protection schemes in the game plan haven’t changed based on his questionable availability, according to the ninth-year coach. ”I’m practicing like he’s going to be there, and if he doesn’t, he doesn’t,” Brattan said. “We anticipate he’s going to be there.”
Paul Pinegar- The former walk-on has bounced back and forth across the formation this season as Campbell’s health has warranted. He’s made three starts at right tackle and two at left, and coach Ralph Friedgen said Pinegar is surprisingly more comfortable at left. Not surprisingly for a guy Friedgen describes as “solid,” he’s pretty indifferent about the whole thing. “We’re pretty much preparing for both situations in case he is able to go,” Pinegar said. “I’m able to play both left and right. I don’t have a problem with either one.”
Lamar Young- The redshirt freshman is one of several young guards who will see time against the Deamon Deacons. He said he’ll prepare the same way no matter who is line up next to him. But it’s hard not to notice the three-inch height difference between Campbell and Pinegar. “The only difference between Paul and Bruce is the shadow,” Young said. “That’s how I take it in my mind. Of course, who wouldn’t want to have Bruce on the outside of you, but Paul has been good the last couple of games, and I’m pretty sure he’ll be good this game.”
For now, it’s anybody’s guess how a man that big can handle an injured knee. We should know more on Campbell’s status when the injury report is released tomorrow night. Until then, it appears as if the team is subscribing to the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared.
Eric Detweiler is The Diamondback’s Terrapin Football Team columnist. He can be reached at edetweilerdbk@gmail.com. You can follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/edetweiler.