Colts WR Parris Campbell’s talent was on full display on practice this week.
The media loves to create false narratives out of training camp, especially during the early stages, which don’t really qualify as real football. While most Colts participants are in full pads, the intensity is normally lacking, as teams try to avoid injuries to reliable playmakers while coaches introduce new schemes and packages.
However, there are times when it simply isn’t possible to downplay what your eyes are seeing from a certain player.
For the Indianapolis Colts, that player is second-year wideout Parris Campbell, who is evidently out to prove something following a disappointing rookie campaign in 2019. The 23-year-old was showcasing his blazing speed and burning defenders during practice this week.
FYI – @PCampbell21 is still v fast. 🏎💨 pic.twitter.com/qAQ5Pxgp7v
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 18, 2020
The Colts used a second-round pick on Campbell in the 2019 NFL Draft and fans subsequently put sizable expectations on him. Considering the monster senior season he put together at Ohio State — he led the Buckeyes in receptions (90), receiving yards (1,063) and touchdowns (12) — that was pretty reasonable.
However, a strained hamstring and broken foot saw him fall down the pecking order at wide receiver. Those injuries limited Campbell to just seven games (three starts), across which he logged 18 receptions for 127 yards and one score.
Amazingly enough, the initial buzz out of Colts camp suggested that the Akron native showed up healthy and motivated and this clip served as a needed reminder to fans in Indianapolis that he has star potential.
Parris Campbell standing out in Colts camp https://t.co/AR3vrwV78a
— NBC Sports EDGE Football (@NBCSEdgeFB) August 18, 2020
The stars are truly aligning for Campbell to enjoy a breakout season in Year 2, as he’s been lining up in his preferred slot position at camp, with fellow wideouts Ty Hilton and rookie Michael Pittman Jr. setting up shop on the perimeter.
This isn’t us overreacting to a couple of impressive highlights, folks. The former Buckeye is poised to burst onto the scene as an NFL sophomore and we can’t wait to watch all of his doubters eat crow.