
ST. LOUIS — Parkway Central 2018 DeAndre Campbell is turning heads this offseason as he gears up for his senior season.
A three-sport standout who also excels on the basketball court and baseball field, Campbell helped the Colts go 8-3 last season as a 6’0, 185-pound wide receiver and free safety and has become known for his all-out style of play. He caught 17 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown last season as part of a talented receiver corps that included 2017 D’Arius Ramsey and 2018 AJ Green, among others.
On defense, he recorded 53 tackles and had two interceptions.
“I play as hard as I can every down of the game no matter how tired I am,” Campbell said. “I always lay everything that I have out on the line.
“I bring leadership and a lot of competitiveness to my team. I hate to lose and I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win. I always keep my teammates up as much as possible no matter how the game is going.”
A year ago, Campbell helped Parkway Central advance to the district championship where they fell to Parkway North as the Colts bookended its season by losing to its rival in week 1 and its last game of the year.
“The most important game I played last season was against Parkway North High School in the district championship,” Campbell said. “I played well and made the plays I was supposed to make, but I feel as I didn’t do enough because we lost and our season was ended.”
This offseason, Campbell is focused on getting in and out of his cuts quickly and becoming faster.
Campbell began playing football at age six or seven and says his dad has been the most influential person in his football career.
“He loves the game even more than I do and he’s taught me a lot of what I know,” Campbell said.
He tries to model his game after NFL WR Anquan Boldin, who has put together a long career.
“He isn’t the fastest receiver ever but he runs good routes and is able to get open in many different ways,” Campbell said.
Campbell received his first offer from Benedictine and has drawn interest from several schools, including Purdue, Missouri State, Air Force, Knox College, Wayne State College, and South Dakota University.
He holds an offer from Navy in basketball after a strong summer playing for Ramey-Jets.