Jihaad Campbell is maturely handling an expected increase in responsibility

If the start of Jihaad Campbell's career can serve as an indication of where it's going, we're looking at the early years of one of the great Philadelphia Eagles. Using words like 'special' and 'versatility' seems insulting. They aren't as descriptive or as flattering as they need to be

Before the Eagles took the field to tackle the Cleveland Browns in a home preseason game, he wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words 'A Fan Of Change'. It seems prophetic now. Entering Week 7, he has been asked to do a ton, and he has handled each assignment very capably.

Per Pro Football Focus, Campbell has already logged 380 snaps. He has demonstrated versatility by playing in various positions. One hundred forty-six snaps have come in run support. Thirty-eight more came as a pass rusher. One hundred ninety-six have been played in coverage.

He has played with a wisdom that exceeds his years. His PFF grades as a pass rusher, run defender, and in coverage stand at 64.3, 74.5, and 84.4, respectively. Though most of his on-field time has been spent as an off-ball linebacker, he has shown the ability to play off the edge. Don't be shocked if you begin seeing him spending more time doing the latter.

Jihaad Campbell isn't fearful of some possible added responsibility.

Nakobe Dean was finally cleared for action in Week 6, but he only played six special teams snaps. He has yet to dent the Eagles' stat sheet. No worries. All week, everyone has discussed the possibility of getting him, Zack Baun, and Jihaad Campbell on the field simultaneously. The easiest way seems to allow Campbell to play a little edge rusher.

“Whatever is required for our defense, our team to be the best defense on the field each and every play, I'm all up for it,”

Those were Campbell's words this week (via ON SI's Ed Kracz). He played both wide receiver and defensive end as a prep star at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He was recruited as a five-star edge rusher.

“If [playing edge rusher is needed], so be it. If not? Then it is what it is. We keep on pushing forward, being 1-0 every day and just dominating and doing our job. I can provide a lot of different things. A lot of things that the team requires. That's just... There's no individual contractors in our rush game, right? We all play as a whole. We all play as a team. Every time we see a tackle, we all see 11 hats around to the ball. …Whatever that is required for the defense, I'm willing to do every time.”

Yep! That sounds like 'A Fan of Change' all right. A First-Team All-SEC nod during his final year at the NCAA level with the Alabama Crimson Tide, Campbell's potential seems to be translating to the professional level.

He has yet to register his first sack, but knowing Azeez Ojular's track record of picking them up in bunches and with the knowledge that Nolan Smith will return at some point, the Birds could be poised to stack up the quarterback takedowns down the stretch.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jihaad Campbell welcomes the expected added responsibility ahead