Amp Campbell's Bio
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Former Michigan State cornerback Amp Campbell was officially announced by Western Michigan University on Friday afternoon. Campbell will take over as the Broncos' cornerbacks coach with Tim Daoust moving back to coach the defensive line in 2010.
"I am extremely excited to be a part of this coaching staff and back in the state of Michigan," commented Campbell. "Coach Cubit has built this into a very successful program and I look forward to getting to work in helping to continue that success with these great young men."
Campbell is no stranger to the state of Michigan as the Sarasota, Fla., native was a standout at Michigan State University in the late 1990's. His playing career was interrupted in 1998 when he suffered a cervic-spinal injury against Oregon just two games into the 1998 campaign. Miraculously, he fought back from his injury to play in 1999, capping his courageous career in the 2000 Citrus Bowl.
Campbell's playing career also intertwined with Western Michigan as he returned an interception 43 yards for a touchdown in the 1997 opener against the Broncos. His first game back from injury, also against Oregon, he recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
Prior to arriving in Kalamazoo, Campbell was and assistant at Lane College in Jackson, Tenn. There he served as the defensive backs coach and assisted with special teams. He recruited the Florida, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan areas. From 2007-08 he was an assistant at Riverview High School in his hometown.
Campbell resigned from his position of defensive backs coach and recruiting/special teams coordinator at Ferris State in in February of 2005 to help take care of his mother who had suffered a stroke. Prior to Big Rapids, Campbell was an assistant at Urbana University in Ohio during from June of 2002 to March of 2004. He also served as an admissions counselor and multicultural student specialist while at Urbana.
Campell started all but one game from 1996 until his injury in 1998, amassing 104 total tackles, five interceptions, three sacks and 15 TFLs. He also accumulated 30 PBUs with 14 in 1996 and 15 in 1997. Campbell signed with the New Orleans Saints in April of 2000 and remained with the team until July of the same year.
As cornerbacks coach, Campbell inherits a young but eager group of student-athletes. Western Michigan returns six corners in 2010 with only three, Deshon Lawrence, David Lewis and Damond Smith, entering spring ball with game experience. Smith, the true sophomore has a pair of interception in his young career, while Lawrence and Lewis (each juniors) have combined for 15 starts and 43 games played.
Campbell (34/DOB: 9-4-75) and his wife, Denise (Springer) have a daughter, Kiera (13), and a son, Anthony (3). He holds membership in both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the Black Coaches Association (BCA).
