Campbell ready to be a leader for Cardinals

PHOENIX - As a second-year pro, Calais Campbell needed to step in for the departed Antonio Smith on the defensive line.

Entering his third year, Campbell plans on stepping into a new role: Team leader.

Campbell joined Sports 620 KTAR's Gambo & Ash Monday and said he has always thought of himself as someone who could lead the team.
"I think, definitely, now that I'm more comfortable and I feel a lot more confident to speak up and get on guys and stuff like that," he said.

Campbell said there are other leaders on the defense, including safety Adrian Wilson and defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, so there will not be a void in that area this season.

Another person who could fill a leadership role is veteran Joey Porter, the team's top free agent acquisition.

"That's a big pickup, a very critical pickup," Campbell said of his new teammate. "I think he'll help make my job a lot easier, commanding more double teams and stuff."

Campbell is coming off a year in which he tallied seven sacks, establishing himself as one of the up-and-coming defensive linemen in the NFL. But, Campbell said there is still room for him to improve.

"This is the most critical time of the year as far as getting in shape and trying to get your body to respond," he said of spending time in the offseason. "I hit the gym real hard to make sure I'm physically in the best shape I can be in both as strong as I can be and as fast as I can be at that weight."

And while Campbell is doing what he can to be ready for the 2010 season, the questions that surround the team going forward seem to come up at every turn. One of the biggest questions, how Matt Leinart will do replacing Kurt Warner, is one Campbell said he is not worried about.

"I think Matt has all the potential to be a great quarterback, he has all the mechanics, he's a winner," he said. "He has the ability to play the game and I think this is a good opportunity for him."

Click here to order Calais Campbell's proCane Rookie Card.



(ktar.com)