• Campbell Interview

NEW YORK (April 30) – Former California University of Pennsylvania defensive back Tommie Campbell (Aliquippa, Pa./Aliquippa) was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft on Saturday, becoming the first Vulcan selected in the NFL Draft since 1979.

Campbell was selected with the 48th pick of the seventh round, 251st overall pick, and is one of three Vulcans to ever be selected in the NFL Draft. Running back Elmo Natali was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in 1953 (10th round, 119th overall) and defensive back Judson Flint was selected by the New England Patriots in 1979 (7th round, 177th overall).

In his one year at Cal U, Campbell appeared in all 12 games with four starts at cornerback after being out of football the last two seasons. He posted 29 tackles (17 solo) with two interceptions, both coming against Bloomsburg in the NCAA Playoffs.

Campbell, who started his career by playing two seasons at Pittsburgh (2005-06), played in both the Cactus Bowl and inaugural Eastham Energy All-Star Game in January. At the Cactus Bowl, he started at cornerback and finished third on the team with five tackles (three solo).

He was one of two players from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) to be selected on the final day of the 2011 NFL Draft. Slippery Rock center and Gene Upshaw Award winner Brandon Fusco was selected in the sixth round (172nd overall) by the Minnesota Vikings, as the PSAC had multiple picks in the NFL Draft for the first time since 1996 (Kutztown linebacker John Mobley and IUP offensive lineman Chris Villarrial).

Last season, former Cal U wide receiver and special team standout Dominique Curry (2009) signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams and played two games before being placed on injured reserve in September. He was the first Vulcan player since Perry Kemp retired in 1991 to play in an NFL regular-season game.