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Pitt linebacker Phil Campbell III grabs ahold of the jersey of NC State running back Ricky Person Jr. in the fourth quarter at Heinz Field Saturday, Oct 3, 2020, in Pittsburgh.
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Pitt linebacker Phil Campbell to return for the 2021 season

Matt Freed/Post-Gazette

Pitt linebacker Phil Campbell to return for the 2021 season

Phil Campbell participated in Pitt’s senior day in 2020, walking on the Heinz Field turf for what was ostensibly the last time as a pre-recorded message from his family played on the video board in the south end zone.

It turned out to be only a temporary goodbye.

Campbell will utilize the extra year of eligibility the NCAA granted all players in advance of the 2020 season and return for one final season with the Panthers, a decision the senior linebacker announced Wednesday morning.

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“The decision was not made lightly but I do think it’s the right decision for me at this time,” Campbell wrote in a message on Twitter. “I’d like to thank my former teammates for the experiences shared and wish them well. I also would like to thank my current teammates for patience with me while I pondered this decision. And to my family, thank you for all your support!”

Pittsburgh assistant head coach Tim O'Toole, lower left, works with the team as the team plays against Louisville during an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, in Pittsburgh. O'Toole was filling in for head coach Jeff Capel who was sidelined after a COVID-19 positive test.
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Campbell’s return further solidifies a group of linebackers that could be one of the team’s biggest strengths next season.

As a redshirt senior in 2020, Campbell finished fourth on the team in tackles (with 46, exactly half of which were unassisted), tied for third in sacks (4 1/2) and tied for fifth in tackles for loss (seven). He appeared in each of Pitt’s 11 games, highlighted by a 10-tackle performance in a one-point loss at Boston College.

He’ll be coming back to a linebackers room that also features SirVocea Dennis, a third-team all-ACC selection last season, Cam Bright and Chase Pine, among others.

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Campbell made the switch from safety to linebacker in 2019 and has been productive throughout that time. In those two years, he has racked up 102 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and an interception.

The New Jersey native will play an instrumental role in helping Pitt’s defense try to make up for the loss of several key contributors, from Patrick Jones and Rashad Weaver on the defensive line to Damar Hamlin and Paris Ford in the secondary.

Campbell’s announcement continues a recent run of positive developments for the Panthers, who are coming off a disappointing 6-5 season.

Earlier this month, the program announced the signing of 21 players for the 2021 class, a group that was bolstered on Christmas Day by the commitment of defensive back Phillip O’Brien, a former Auburn commit. As of now, Pitt’s 2021 class is ranked 21st nationally by Rivals.com. That collection of players doesn’t include the signing of Maryland transfer offensive lineman Marcus Minor and a commitment Tuesday night from Kentucky transfer cornerback M.J. Devonshire, a former Aliquippa standout. And, in maybe the most consequential piece of news from this month, quarterback Kenny Pickett announced he would also be capitalizing on the extra year of eligibility offered to him and return for a final season with the Panthers.

Pittsburgh defensive lineman Rashad Weaver (17) plays against Virginia Tech during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Pittsburgh. Weaver was selected to The Associated Press All-America first-team defense, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020.
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Craig Meyer: cmeyer@post-gazette.com and Twitter @CraigMeyerPG

First Published: December 30, 2020, 4:33 p.m.

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Pitt linebacker Phil Campbell III grabs ahold of the jersey of NC State running back Ricky Person Jr. in the fourth quarter at Heinz Field Saturday, Oct 3, 2020, in Pittsburgh.  (Matt Freed/Post-Gazette)
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