Bedford and Camper Relying on Each Other and Their Faith in God

Written by Zach Greene: (@zachegreene)

IU Football suffered brutal injuries to two key players last season. The Hoosiers lost breakout wide receiver Cam Camper and veteran offensive linemen Matthew Bedford both to knee injuries. Bedford is farther along in the recovery process compared to Camper, but they are relying on each other and their faith in God. Both Camper and Bedford hope to be fully healthy for week one against Ohio State.

“I’m making some strides every week. Just starting to get into running mostly. Overall, it’s been a good challenging process. It’s something new and something that I got to deal with. I’m just trying to make it fun for myself. Just coming in with the right mindset and trying to get better so I can be the player I want to be,” said Camper on the recovery process.

Camper mentioned that he’s looking at Bedford’s mindset to help him get through the journey. “I just pay attention to his mindset. He’s got a great attitude every day and I’m just trying to follow his lead.”

The plan is for Camper to be fully ready for Ohio State, but he acknowledged that needs to take it one day at a time. “That’s the plan. We’ll see. I’ll just put it into God’s hands. It can be frustrating at times because I want to be ahead of where I am, but you just have to take it one day at a time.” 

There have been good strides for Camper and some tough days for the receiver.

“With this you’re going to have some good days and some bad days. You get up and not want to do anything, but you just gotta figure it out and push through it.” Camper said. “I want to pick up where I left off, but we just have to be better than last year. That’s all.”

Bedford on the other hand, has been seeing the game from a different perspective, “You get to see things from a different perspective. When you’re on the sideline and next to coach you see things as soon as they happen. You get to coach them right on the spot. I even get to help my teammates on the sideline.” he said.

Just like Camper who put his faith in God, Bedford did as well and elaborated on it yesterday.

“My faith and trust in God. People call it blind faith, but understanding that things happen for a reason and there’s going to be a better outcome at the end of it. Be where your feet are and in the moment. When I first got hurt, I couldn’t walk but having trust in God that I’m going to be able to walk and run again. Just throwing my faith in God.” Bedford said.

Bedford was also asked about Camper’s injury.

“He’s working hard. He’s looking athletic and running faster than me right now.” Bedford said.

There are two players that have stuck out to Bedford while he’s been sidelined with his injury. Kahlil Benson and Joshua Sales Jr.

“When you’re on the sidelined you get to see the guys that came after you and how there progressing. One of the guys that sticks out to me is Kahlil Benson. Just watching him grow into that leadership role like I did. It reminds me of myself. Also just watching Joshua Sales do the same.” Bedford explained.

The Hoosiers will wrap up spring practice with their Spring Football Saturday event on April 15th in Bloomington.