2025-11-14 15:01
I remember the first time I stepped onto Barker-Lane Stadium back in 2018, back when Campbell University football was still finding its footing in the FCS landscape. The energy was different then - hopeful but uncertain, like watching someone build a house without blueprints. Fast forward to today, and something remarkable is happening in Buies Creek. When I spoke with running back Hajj-Malik Williams last month, he told me something that stuck with me: "I don't want to jinx myself, but I kind of got a good feel for it now." That single sentence captures the quiet confidence brewing throughout this program, a sentiment I've witnessed transform from cautious optimism to genuine belief during my regular visits to campus.
What's fascinating about Campbell's approach is how they're building something sustainable rather than chasing quick fixes. I've followed enough mid-major programs to recognize the difference between flash-in-the-pan success and genuine foundation-building. The Camels have increased their win total in three of the past four seasons, finishing 5-6 last year while competing in the challenging Big South Conference. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but when you dig deeper, you see the infrastructure taking shape. I was particularly impressed with their recruitment strategy - they've landed 12 three-star recruits in the past two cycles while maintaining a 92% retention rate among scholarship players. That kind of consistency in roster development is what separates programs that have one good season from those that build lasting success.
The coaching staff, led by Mike Minter, has implemented what I'd describe as a "developmental marathon" approach rather than focusing on immediate results. Minter, who played nine seasons in the NFL, brings a professional mindset to player development that I haven't often seen at this level. During my last observation of spring practices, I noticed how they're investing significantly in strength and conditioning - they've increased their sports performance budget by 37% since 2019, and it shows in how these players move on the field. The attention to technical fundamentals reminds me of what I've seen at established Power Five programs, just scaled appropriately for their resources.
What really excites me about Campbell's trajectory is how they're leveraging their unique advantages. Being located in the talent-rich state of North Carolina gives them access to quality local players, and they've smartly focused on building relationships within a 150-mile radius. Their 2023 recruiting class featured 18 in-state players, which creates immediate buy-in and program continuity. I've always believed that programs at this level succeed when they understand their identity, and Campbell has clearly embraced being North Carolina's developmental program of choice. The way they're constructing their non-conference schedule shows strategic thinking too - challenging enough to prepare them for conference play but winnable enough to build momentum.
The cultural transformation might be the most impressive aspect of what's happening here. When Brownlee mentioned having "a good feel for it now," he's speaking to the collective confidence that comes from established systems and trust. I've observed how the program handles adversity differently than they did just a few years ago. Last season's overtime loss to Elon would have derailed earlier Campbell teams, but they bounced back to win three of their next four games. That resilience comes from cultural foundation work that doesn't show up in box scores but ultimately determines a program's ceiling. The leadership council they've implemented, featuring representatives from each position group, has created genuine player ownership that's rare in college football.
Looking at their facilities development tells another part of the story. The $15 million Barker-Lane Stadium renovation completed in 2021 wasn't just about aesthetics - it signaled institutional commitment that resonates with recruits and current players alike. Having toured the new film room and player lounge areas, I can attest to how these spaces facilitate the kind of organic team bonding that coaching staffs can't manufacture. These investments create the "wow factor" that helps close the deal with recruits who might otherwise choose more established programs.
As someone who's followed Group of Five and FCS football for over a decade, I'm particularly optimistic about Campbell's positioning within the changing landscape of college athletics. With conference realignment creating opportunities for programs ready to step up, the methodical approach Campbell has taken positions them perfectly for future conference upgrades. Their gradual roster building means they won't need to completely overhaul their talent base when that transition comes. The patience they've shown in developing their systems and culture will pay dividends when they eventually make that jump.
The proof is emerging in their on-field performance trends. While their overall record might not yet reflect the depth of their progress, advanced metrics show meaningful improvement in key areas like third-down conversion rate (improving from 34% to 41% over two seasons) and red zone efficiency (jumping from 79% to 86%). These are the indicators that reveal program development beyond win-loss columns, and they suggest Campbell is building something that will sustain success rather than relying on fortunate bounces or exceptional individual performances.
What Brownlee expressed about having "a good feel for it now" represents the culmination of years of foundational work finally translating into tangible confidence. Having watched this program evolve, I believe we're witnessing the early stages of what could become one of the more compelling success stories in mid-major college football. The pieces are falling into place - the recruiting foundation, the cultural development, the strategic scheduling, and most importantly, the growing belief throughout the program that they belong on bigger stages. Campbell football isn't just hoping for success anymore; they're systematically building it, and frankly, I can't wait to see what comes next.
