Donavaughn Campbell / Offensive Lineman / Louisiana Tech
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Donavaughn Campbell: I am 6’4 and weight is 338.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Donavaughn Campbell: At Final Fitness in New Orleans.
Alex Khvatov: When is your scheduled Pro Day?
Donavaughn Campbell: March 18th.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your training regimen right now.
Donavaughn Campbell: Every day, I get there at 9:30 a.m. We do a regular warm up. We do stretching, mobility stuff, and work on footwork. We do conditioning and lift Monday through Friday. Sometimes, I do two-a-days. I stay in the gym every day.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Donavaughn Campbell: I played DL the first three years. During my junior year, I played LG. Senior year, I played OG and OT.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Donavaughn Campbell: I was a pretty big recruit. LSU was my first offer going into my senior year. I committed on the spot. Then I had Georgia, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia Tech. I had a total of 12 offers. My top three schools were LSU, Alabama and Georgia Tech.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose LSU?
Donavaughn Campbell: I fell in love with LSU. I went up there in seventh grade. I became a huge fan of the team. I lived 30 minutes from the campus.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career with the Tigers?
Donavaughn Campbell: It was a learning and growing experience. I played a little bit. I got great value out of it. They taught me how to be a pro with film study and workouts.
Alex Khvatov: You won a National Championship with LSU in 2019. What was it like being a part of that team?
Donavaughn Campbell: It was most definitely the best team. I was just playing with my brothers. The 2019 season made you feel like you were a rock star. We were winning games by 20 or 30 points. The fans loved it. We had a blast. We worked hard and had fun. It was a total team effort.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Louisiana Tech for your senior year?
Donavaughn Campbell: After winning the National Championship, I knew the player that I was. I ended up in the transfer portal. I wanted to be a starter. LA Tech was the first team to contact me, and I knew some people around that program. LA Tech puts guys in the NFL.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your last CFB season (2020 season).
Donavaughn Campbell: The season was pretty good. I moved over to OT. I never played tackle in college. I liked it. My competitive edge wouldn’t allow me to lose blocks on the outside. As the season progressed, my hands and technique got better. On November 1st, Covid started kicking in. Our team didn’t have games for four weeks. I opted out. I loved playing OT. I got good feet, and my punch is good. I see myself as a LG or RT at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Donavaughn Campbell: I am a smart football player. I know what the defense will do. I have great feet, and my hip mobility is fair. I am a road grader as a run blocker. My pass technique got better this season.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Donavaughn Campbell: Working on my hands, getting my punch out faster and sustaining blocks better.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the Tropical Bowl all-star game in Florida.
Donavaughn Campbell: It was a nice bowl game in Orlando. I brought my daughter with me. We had good guys and good pass rushers. I had a pretty good bowl game.
Alex Khvatov: How was the Hula Bowl all-star game?
Donavaughn Campbell: Hawaii is a beautiful place. It was a long flight. I was coached by Rex Ryan, and Mark Sanchez was the OC. It was a great week there. I was playing at a high level. I was one of the best tackles at that event.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Donavaughn Campbell: Senior season at LA Tech. I was dominant. In the six games, I had 50 pancakes. I was able to show what I can do on every play.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Donavaughn Campbell: Discipline was the main factor. You have to have character and be the best person you can be.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Donavaughn Campbell: I like the Saints. They are the home team. I like the O-line play.
Alex Khvatov: Is there an NFL OL that you aspire to play like?
Donavaughn Campbell: Trent Williams and Trent Brown. Two huge athletic tackles with great feet. They are nasty. They are respected in the league.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Donavaughn Campbell: LG Joshua Mote is undersized, but he can block anyone. Isaiah Graham at receiver, WR Wayne Toussant, and WR Smoke Harris.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the toughest DL that you have faced on an opposing team?
Donavaughn Campbell: #22 from UAB Jordan Smith. He is a 6’6 DE. He is not a heavy guy, but he is lightning fast. He has a good bull rush and plays hard.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best teammate you played with?
Donavaughn Campbell: C Lloyd Cushenberry is a smart guy. He did everything right. He was our leader by example. He worked, and I wanted to be like him.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Donavaughn Campbell: You have to be smart. You have to think a lot and know what to do on every play.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Donavaughn Campbell: Hitting. I am a physical guy. I love contact.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Donavaughn Campbell: Being a dad, playing video games, hanging out with family and friends.
Alex Khvatov: How has fatherhood changed you?
Donavaughn Campbell: Having a daughter, I have grown up so much. I have to look after her and push to be the best that I could be. I need to be a good role model and an example for her.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Donavaughn Campbell: After football, I want to own a couple of restaurants. Food in Louisiana is great. I love to cook. I also want to own an apartment complex.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Donavaughn Campbell: Loving, honest, tough, helpful, and competitive.
