If it was not obvious already, the offensive side of the ball is the key to the FAU football team’s success in 2024.
The Florida Atlantic defense is loaded with talent and productive players at every level, ranging from the defensive line to the secondary. It will be this unit that sets the foundation for the Owls in 2024; they will keep the team in games and maybe even win a few through their own efforts.
As a result, the offense’s production and level of play will be paramount in determining how far the Owls go. If they take a step up in comparison to last season, the Owls could see their record improve considerably. If the unit does not improve, FAU could likely have a similar season to what they did in 2023 or marginally better.
One of the main potential components for the Owls’ offense is transfer running back C.J. Campbell Jr. The redshirt junior has some impressive skill out of the backfield, and based on his pedigree, he has a great chance to put it to use for the team in 2024.
FAU Football Player Spotlight: C.J. Campbell Jr.
Campbell Jr.’s college story began in a different part of Florida.
Making the Florida State Seminoles as a walk-on, the running back had a redshirt season in 2021 and won the team’s Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year. From 2022-2023, Campbell Jr. sporadically played running back and special teams. He only had five total special teams tackles and 25 total carries over his two seasons.
However, the running back heavily flashed his talent in minimal work.
Campbell Jr. had 102 yards after contact and nine missed tackles forced. He had five runs of over 10 yards or more and created 10 first downs. In the limited work, Campbell Jr. had 7.2 yards per attempt and an elusive rating of 185.5, likely inflated by his 70-yard touchdown in the 2023 season.
Additionally, the running back was a solid blocker for Florida State, posing multiple games with positive metrics blocking on running plays and passing plays.
With so many flashes in limited opportunities, Campbell Jr. needed a more significant role to truly show off his skills. As a result, he entered the transfer portal and landed in Boca this past winter.
2024 Outlook
With all of his talent and potential, there is no reason for Campbell Jr. not to significantly contribute to the FAU football team entering the 2024 season.
His speed fits perfectly in the fast-paced, up-tempo scheme head coach Tom Herman runs. Whether it is Cameron Fancher or Tyriq Starks, the combination of an athletic quarterback with Campbell Jr. could be lethal. The running back also runs with power, an aspect that could help set up short-yardage situations consistently for the Owls.
Up to this point in camp, the former Seminole has shown off his athletic ability in spades.
At last week’s scrimmage, Campbell Jr. looked extremely fast and explosive. He was very quick and decisive when choosing which lanes to hit. More impressively, he showed soft hands as a receiver. While not having much opportunity at Florida State, he used this skill in his high school days to the tune of 422 yards and four touchdowns.
Unsurprisingly, Campbell Jr. is on the Doak Walker Award Watchlist heading into this season. He has all of the talent a running back could have in every facet of the game.
Now, the running back has to capitalize on his opportunity. If Campbell Jr. can do so, he could help elevate the Owls’ offense to a different level this year.
