By Joey LoMonaco February 19 at 12:13 PM

Kyree Campbell recalls the particulars of the Week 4 play that left him shelved for the better part of this past football season. It was a run call to the side of the formation where he blocked as a tight end. Patriot blitzed a linebacker and blew up the play around him. The tackle devolved into a pile, and then, all I heard was a snap, Campbell said.

That sound was the audible catalyst to a sprained medial collateral ligament in Campbells knee.

The rest of Campbells 2014 campaign was an exercise in frustration. After missing four games, the standout defensive lineman returned for the Eagles 33-0 loss to Hylton on Oct. 24. He lasted until the second quarter before aggravating the injury.

It affected my game, he said. Physically, I wasnt able to come off the line, tried to gut it out another five six plays I just couldnt put pressure on it.

At which point, Kimberly Campbell stepped in.

After that, my mom didnt want me playing anymore until I got a brace, Campbell said.

And he did, securing a device just in time for Freedoms playoff game against Stone Bridge. But the brace slid all over the place, said Campbell, leading him to take it off. His season ended as a spectator to the Eagles 41-22 loss.

So, the areas hottest defensive line recruit in the 2016 class suffered through a quitejunior season. There were no all-Conference 15, 5A North region or 5A all-state honors. Campbells goal last fall was to shatter DaShawn Hands Prince William County record of 21 sacks in a season. That, too, went unrealized.

But, interest didnt exactly cool along with with the injury. In fact, as a prospect, Campbell became more sought after.

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Freedom-Woodbridges Kyree Campbell makes up for lost time