UConn WR coach Erik Campbell was hanging with former Michigan QB Tom Brady during the Wolverines signing day event in February

New UConn wide receiver coach Erik Campbell has transitioned into a good working rhythm here in Connecticut. With just a few days left to spring practice, he’s happy with where the receivers are and how they’ve responded.

“So far, so good,” he said following Wednesday’s Dog House Party. “We are having a good time and the guys are working hard.”

Campbell is returning to coaching after serving as Michigan’s ‘Operations Assistant’ a year ago under first year head coach Jim Harbaugh. It was a return to his alma mater and a place he coached at for thirteen seasons. While that was a welcome time for Campbell, nothing compares to being inside the lines, having the chance to teach. Before the question could even be finished, a huge smile appeared on his face.

“To have the opportunity to compete, the opportunity to work with young men, to get them better and ultimately for them to reach their goals, there’s nothing better,” he said.

One of the receivers he gets to work with is of the mold of the receivers from his days at Michigan in the late ’90’s, which has been widely covered since he’s been named to the Huskies staff. Senior Noel Thomas fits right in with them and there’s a reason.

“He’s a hard worker,” Campbell said frankly. “I’m expecting big things from him this season.”

The former Michigan and Iowa receiver coach was very familiar with head coach Bob Diaco, as the two go as far back to his time at Eastern Michigan.

“He’s a great guy,” Campbell said. “I’ve known him a long time, when he was an assistant coach back at Eastern Michigan and I was at Michigan. He hasn’t changed. He was a great person back then and is still the same guy. He’s really enthusiastic, which is exciting to work for.”

Campbell still has work to do with his position group before the season kicks off in September and there’s plenty of work to do.

“The biggest thing is for them to get adjusted to me and for me to learn their skill level so we can build on that going into the season,” he said. “Learn the little things I do technique wise, keep building from that and really understand what I’m looking for.”