For three years in high school, Ravens rookie wide receiver Michael Campanaro dazzled on the football field under the Friday Night Lights at River Hill High School in a quiet section of Clarksville, Maryland.
Campanaro, the three year varsity starter registered over 6,500 yards and 90 touchdowns including eight kick returns for touchdowns during his tenure at River Hill.
After a successful high school career, Campanaro took his big play making abilities to Wake Forest University where he finished his Demon Deacon career as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (229) and ranked third in career receiving yards (2,506) while his 14 receiving touchdowns rank eighth in school history.
Campanaro credits his hard work, dedication, and determination as the reasons he has created a path to the NFL. He has employed this outstanding work ethic since the days of his youth.
Drafted by the Ravens in the seventh round of the 2014 draft, the second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection has quietly had a solid summer of training camp seeing reps with the second and third team offenses. While competing against Kamar Aiken, Jeremy Butler, and Deonte Thompson for a roster spot, “Camp” has displayed quickness and refined route running skills.
It’s clear why the Ravens took a gamble on trading back into the draft for the local football talent.
In the preseason and during training camp, competition is key and it produces results as the rookie wide receiver pointed out following practice on Tuesday.
“You have to go back to what you know and why you’re here, why they drafted you here – the things you can do to build on – and think about that and have the confidence.
“[We] have been out here playing all OTAs and training camp and making plays for the team, so I think building on from when you first got here to now [and] the type of football player you are – and with that confidence – [you] take it out to the game and translate it onto the game and make some plays.”
As the Ravens enter their fourth and final preseason game on Thursday night against the Saints in New Orleans, Campanaro understands the importance of the game and is excited for the opportunity to display his talent.
When asked about what he wants to show against the Saints, Campanaro stated, “My game, how well I know the offense and how I can be versatile on offense and special teams.
“So, I should be getting a lot of opportunities, a lot of playing time, with some of our starters down and not getting as many reps. I’m looking to go out there and play a great game.”
Campanaro has recorded two catches for 24 yards this preseason in a limited action. His five punt returns for 25 yards leads the Ravens special teams unit through three games, while his two kickoff returns for 74 yards ranks below only Deonte Thompson.
Campanaro has learned a “lunch pail” type of work ethic from fellow wideout, Steve Smith Sr. and sings his praises.
“I would probably say his attitude that he brings to the game – his approach. He has been playing now 14 years, and you wouldn’t know he’s out here … You think he’s fighting for a roster spot like a rookie like myself.
“So, I think that’s one thing I’ve taken from him. Every day he comes out to practice, and he’s such a professional. It’s something you can see firsthand – you’re out here watching it. So, it’s great to have someone in the room like that.”
Having watched both rookie Ravens throughout the summer it’s clear that when Smith Sr. spoke, Campanaro listened. Seeing just how much Camp paid attention to Smith Sr. was clearly evident during seven on seven drills and 11 on 11 drills where Camp sailed through his routes cleanly while catching the football with ease.
While roster spots are never guaranteed, Campanaro has given himself a decent chance to solidify a spot on the Ravens for 2014 and certainly doesn’t underestimate the importance of Thursday’s season finale.
“I think it’s a huge game. I honestly don’t know what goes into [making roster choices], but [the coaches] always talk about [how] they’re looking for consistent players.
“They want to see guys day-in and day-out do it. So, I think I’ve had a strong training camp, and I think this is a great opportunity for me to go out there and translate some of the things I’ve been doing out here on the practice field into a game.”
For Campanaro, the bright-eyed local kid who dazzled many on those crisp Friday nights at River Hill is now just one cut away from playing underneath the ultimate bright lights of M&T Bank Stadium this upcoming season.
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