Penn State linebackers coach Dan Connor — an analyst at the time — followed Amare Campbell as a high school recruit. Connor wanted to get him to Happy Valley, but the team already had commitments from 4-stars Tony Rojas and Kaveion Keys.
“I loved his tape coming out. I kinda wished we were able to get him back then, but he went to North Carolina, proved himself there.”
Through two seasons as a Tar Heel, Campbell validated Connor’s beliefs. In 2024, the linebacker amassed 74 tackles and 6.5 sacks as a true sophomore, serving as a bright spot on a subpar North Carolina defense.
Though they’d never met in person, Campbell and Rojas had been in communication via social media since “sophomore or junior year” of high school. When Campbell hopped in the transfer portal this spring, Rojas pounced on the opportunity to recruit a fellow Virginia linebacker. It was only right that Rojas took to social media to do so.
“He definitely helped me feel welcome here. It was great to see that he wanted me to be here, be a part of his team,” Campbell said.
When Campbell scheduled a visit to Penn State, Connor realized he was a great fit for the Nittany Lions, schematically and culturally. The Tar Heels ran a lot of similar defensive concepts, but off the field, Connor recognized traits that would fit in the program.
“Unbelievable kid, unbelievable family, just really good people,” Connor said. “When he was here on his visit, humble kid, quiet kid. Love his parents.”
Campbell committed to the Nittany Lions just two weeks after entering the portal, saying his relationship with Rojas played a major role in his decision. The two have grown their bond since he arrived.
“The familiarity with Tony, coming to a new place where I didn’t know anyone but Tony, he definitely played a great role. I moved in with him when I first got here and he’s living with me now.”
Campbell said defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Connor also factored into the decision, giving him the opportunity to play for “the best defensive coordinator in the country.” The respect is mutual. Knowles said the best linebackers are instinctual, a trait he’s noticed in Campbell.
Penn State needed depth at linebacker after losing Kobe King to the NFL draft and Ta’Mere Robinson to USC, and Campbell arrives as one of the most experienced players in the room.
“He’s a vet, he’s done it at a high level, and he comes in here and he’s still humble, he’s still hungry,” Connor said. “He doesn’t have any hot-shot arrogant mentality. I mean, he’s a worker and that fits.”
Getting a high-caliber transfer player with proven production can be difficult, with many potential suitors in the mix. The Nittany Lions were able to beat out other interested schools by maintaining strong relationships with Campbell, who ranked as the No. 6 transfer linebacker by 247 Sports.
Campbell’s production at North Carolina was one thing, but the staff wondered how his skills would carry over to a new defense. According to Connor, the transition was seamless, and Campbell is already up to speed as the season approaches.
“He had some foundational knowledge which is beneficial, so there wasn’t really a crazy adjustment,” Connor said. “I think he was well-coached. You can see it, day one and two (of fall camp). He’s a smart player, he’s been taught fundamentals and you got a guy who’s proven already. Now it’s ‘how can we refine it and fit it into this scheme?’”
One area Campbell’s worked to improve is striking with his hands to shed blocks, something he was unable to do while nursing a broken hand last season. It’s a skill that’ll help him record more tackles, especially in the backfield.
As the Nittany Lions work to get Campbell acclimated, the rest of the room has had to acclimate to him. James Franklin said he’s “created another level of competition that we hoped we were going to get.”
“You never truly know until these guys show up on campus,” Franklin said. “And he’s doing some nice things, really doing some nice things. Tested well this summer. He’s explosive, he’s fast, he’s powerful.”
