Clark’s tight end, Adair Campbell, played in the Aug. 22 scrimmage against Reagan at Comalander Stadium. Photo by Marvin Pfeiffer

By most evaluations, Adair Campbell’s effort last year would have been considered impressive.

The Clark athlete made his presence felt at tight end and made an even bigger impression as a punter, earning a third team spot on the Class 5A All-State team after averaging 43 yards a shot.

However, the one providing the heroics gave the year a so-so rating. In Campbell’s opinion, it could have been better, especially the way the season ended. Although Clark made the playoffs, the 6-5 Cougars had an early exit after losing a 39-36 decision to Southwest in double overtime. That was a big disappointment and the senior is ready to make amends.

“I wasn’t happy with the way the season turned out last year,” Campbell said. “I thought we should have gone a lot farther in the playoffs. I want to have a better year.”

Campbell spent the offseason getting stronger and improving his pass catching skills, while also going to camps to improve his punting skills. In between all that work, he also took his intensity to a higher level.

“I’m carrying a little more energy and I’m a little more into it,” said Campbell, who could also see action at defensive end during goal line situations. “You have to get your motivation from being here. Last year was my first year I actually played on varsity. I was kinda tentative and wasn’t really sure what I was doing. Now, I’m more knowledgeable of what I am doing, That allows me to be more energetic and more intense.”

Thanks to a load of experience returning, Campbell likes the Cougars’ chances of a banner year.

The Cougars have two challenges from Churchill and Alamo Heights in non-district, before beginning District 28-5A. Once league play begins, things really get interesting.

“We are a more cohesive unit and we more have talent,” Campbell said. “Our O line is going to be bigger than it has been in a long time. That’s going to allow us to run the ball a lot more, which is what we like to do.

“We’re going to need some of the younger to guys step up and realize what we need from them. It’s a team effort after all.”

Tight end is the perfect position for the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Campbell to show what he can do. He has the power and quickness to provide blocks up front, which should come in handy with the Cougars’ ball-control tactics. However, quarterback Hayden Greenbauer also provides Clark an improved passing game and chances are Campbell’s number will be called often.

Whatever the situation, Campbell will make the most of it.

“I love blocking and watching those guys haul down the field,” Campbell said. “But I would like to catch more passes this year. I’ve worked on my hands and my route running a lot this summer.”

Punting makes Campbell’s situation complete. The success from last season has definitely lifted his spirits, even though his first attempt ended up being blocked in the opener with Churchill.

Despite the rough beginning, Campbell came back two weeks later against Holmes and boomed a 60 yarder on his first attempt. From then on, he never looked back.

Thanks to a year of experience, plus valuable tips he received at Rocky Willingham’s kicking camp and several mini-camps, Campbell expects that part of the game to also improve.

“Ever since the Holmes game I’ve been connecting,” said Campbell, who is also working at becoming an Eagle Scout. “I guess I focused more on the ball and got used to the speed of the game.

“I used to be stepping out and swinging my leg across. Instead of doing that, I’m walking straight down the line and swinging my leg straight. I’m punting farther, because I’m getting more power into it. I want to stay focused, do my job and help the younger guys with their roles. I want this to be a good year.”