Campbell's 49ers happiness comes as no surprise to linebackers coach Originally published on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — Days after 49ers linebacker Devondre Campbell expressed his joy for his new team on social media, his position coach says the feeling is mutual.
Linebackers coach Jonny Holland talked to NBC Sports Bay Area on Tuesday about how Campbell quickly found his place on the field alongside Fred Warner. The 49ers signed the veteran free agent to a one-year contract to fill the void while Dre Greenlaw recovers from Achilles surgery.
“He's great,” Holland said, “I've been watching him play for a long time, since he was a rookie in 2016 with Atlanta. He's in his ninth year in the league now and he's gravitated towards our system. He has great coverage awareness and still has the ability to run and make plays.”
“We are excited about his acquisition and think he will fit well into our system.”
Campbell spent his first five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and was named All-Pro for the first time as a member of the Green Bay Packers in 2021. The Minnesota product has recorded 779 career tackles, including 507 solo, 40 for a loss, seven interceptions, eight forced fumbles, 9.5 quarterback sacks and 22 hits.
It's already clear that Campbell is happy with his decision to sign with the 49ers.
I can't lie, I'm really enjoying playing football again…Due to the situation I was in, I almost lost my love for it, but I'm enjoying it again and I really like it for myself. There is. Thank you God 🙏🏿
— Devondre Campbell (@Came_Along_Way) May 20, 2024
Perhaps the most interesting thing about Campbell's statement is that the 30-year-old linebacker is enjoying playing the game of football again. Holland said there's good reason players are enjoying the 49ers' system.
“We're trying to build a culture here,” Holland said. “We enjoy the game and are very specific about what we do. We try not to let the players play in gray areas and tell them exactly what they need to do. As players, we try to maximize our abilities. We want a place where he can make the most of his abilities and do his best. We see that in him, and he's showing what he's capable of.”
There's no shortage of evidence that players, especially defensive players, can thrive in the 49ers' system, even on a one-year deal. Holland said Campbell is a student of the game, which will make his transition even smoother in a scheme that involves less thinking and more “action.”
“Our culture is that we want to be physical, we want to be violent, and we want to put it on tape,” Holland said. “If you're here, you're going to see our players and the way we play defense. Most players want to play like that, but we don't demand it. And it shows up on tape and how we play.
“I think the players are excited to play in this system. I always tease the players, 'I wish I could have played in a system like this when I was a player.' I get a lot out of it.”
The 49ers have several linebackers available to fill in as needed until Greenlaw returns, but Campbell appears to be the front-runner for the role. The 6-foot-3, 232-pound defender may have a slightly different skill set, but his passion for the game is something Holland appreciates.
“He's been in the game a long time and gives us a veteran presence,” Holland said. “We're really excited to have him.”
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