Countdown to 2019 IUFB Kickoff: 93 Days (Charles Campbell and Juan Harris)
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Written by Nathan Comp
#93
The Hoosier Huddle countdown to kickoff has begun. Just 93 days remain until the Hoosiers kickoff the 2019 season in Indianapolis against the Ball State Cardinals. Today we will highlight the roster’s two number 93s, kicker Charles Campbell and defensive lineman Juan Harris.
Charles Campbell (Redshirt Freshman)
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 176 Pounds
Hometown: Jackson, Tennessee
Position: Kicker
An often-forgotten portion of the game is the kicking game. Nothing ruins momentum like a missed field goal after a long drive or a missed extra point after scoring a touchdown. Indiana should hypothetically be able to find reliability in the leg of redshirt freshman Charles Campbell.
Campbell came to Indiana from University School of Jackson high school in Tennessee. He was ranked the 5th best kicker nationally by Rivals and was invited to the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. However, Campbell was beaten out by the year-long starter in 2018, Logan Justus. Campbell redshirted and has yet to see game action.
Campbell and Justus continue to battle for the starting kicker position. After the 2019 spring game, Coach Allen discussed both saying, “I told Charles, ‘Beat him out.’ and, ‘Logan, don't you dare let him beat you out.’” The battle will continue throughout summer practice, but spring ball showed promise. The two combined for a nine of ten performance in the spring game. Allen also has not ruled out a two-kicker system, to give Campbell experience before he likely takes over the full-time role in 2020.
Juan Harris (Redshirt Sophomore)
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 350 Pounds
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Position: Defensive Lineman
Yes, that Juan Harris. Harris has one of the most intriguing stories on the Indiana roster due largely to the fact that he was a Hoosier, then he wasn’t, and now he is back. And with his return, come lofty expectations at a position of need.
Harris started his career at Indiana in 2017, in which he started his first three games before suffering a season-ending injury and being granted a medical redshirt. He then transferred to the junior college Independence Community College where he played for a season and tallied 4.2 tackles per game. Now, he has rejoined the Indiana roster this spring and is looking to complete unfinished business.
For the big-bodied Harris, he has one goal for the 2019 season: require a double team. Harris will likely start at the interior of the defensive line. If he is able to produce as steadily as he was in junior college, his size alone will demand a double team and clog holes for the opposing run game. This will also allow linebackers and other lineman to roam free and make tackles. Harris has looked quick and strong in early practices. A summer of training should be perfect to hopefully have him producing at a Big Ten level come kickoff.