MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Donovan Campbell, who graduated in May from Siena Heights University, has agreed to a contract to play in the American Indoor Football League. He will join the West Michigan Ironmen for their inaugural season coming up this spring.

"I am so thrilled to be able to continue my playing career," Campbell said. "It's a blessing for me to have this opportunity. The way I look at it is God gave me this talent, why not use it as much as I can and keep playing the game that I love."

The Ironmen will play home games in the L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon. The team's first home game as part of the American Indoor Football League is March 6 against a team from Atlanta. One of the Ironmen's preseason scrimmages will be against the Steel City Menace, the team with which Campbell's former Siena Heights' teammate, Kyle Connors, signed.

"Playing professional football has been on my radar," Campbell said. "I had a couple of tryouts. I feel this is the best opportunity for me. I wanted to stay close to home and close to my son, who lives in South Bend (Indiana). This is only a couple of hours away.

"I've been working out and staying in shape, running some routes. I've been waiting for this kind of opportunity. I'm still a little raw. I haven't play all that much football."

Campbell was part of the first football class at Siena Heights that won a Mid-States Football Association Mideast League championship in his senior season.

He said that group of guys will forever have a special bond.

"Every time I see any of those guys, even now, we have our rings on," he said, referring to the conference championship rings. "That's something to be proud of. Not everyone can leave college with a championship ring. Being part of that team will always be special."

His former coach, Jim Lyall, was a big part of his success.

"Coach Lyall has always been like a father figure in my life," Campbell said. "He's there when you are doing well and there when you are not doing well. He always tells us what we need to hear, not necessarily what we want to hear."

Campbell didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school, but grew into an outstanding receiver. A South Bend native, he came to Siena Heights and made an immediate impact on the new program.

In his career, Campbell caught 142 passes for 1,843 yards and 16 touchdowns — all Saints records. He was all-conference and an NAIA All-American before his career ended.

Campbell was a communications major at SHU. Last year, he did color commentary on the Saints football radio network.

"I've become a student of the game," Campbell said. "I can't watch a game without really breaking it down and dissecting it."

-- Courtesy of Doug Donnelly & The Daily Telegram