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Caden Campolieti Accepts Bid to Play in Offense-Defense All-American Bowl

By Joe Ginley '12 , 12/18/18, 11:45AM EST

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One of the football program's top playmakers in 2018 has one more game to play.

Caden Campolieti has accepted an offer to play in the 13th Annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.

The Wildcats' linebacker will be heading to Daytona Beach, Florida after Christmas to play with and against some of the top senior football players in the country. 

"I was very shocked, I can't believe I'm going to be a part of it," Campolieti said. "I always watched the bowl and all-star games as a kid. I used to think, 'I want to be part of it someday.' Then last week, I got a call and an invitation to this game. It's almost like a dream come true."

Campolieti enjoyed a stellar senior season for Saint Ignatius in 2018. Campolieti finished second on the team with 26 solo tackles and 19 assists (45 total). The outside 'backer added 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 pass breakups. 

The 6'1, 220-pound student-athlete also joined the wrestling team this winter, immediately showing off his skills on the mat. Campolieti is a special athlete.

The Richmond Heights native will fly down to Florida with his dad, Patrick, on December 26. Campolieti will stay with the team in a hotel and practice leading up to the game. 

The game will be played during the day on December 29 at Daytona DME Stadium. The broadcast details are to be announced. 

Campolieti is thrilled at the prospect of playing in the game, but moreso excited to buckle his chinstrap one last time before heading off to college. 

"I'm so excited, just to go down there, put on the pads for one last time in high school," Campolieti said. "I'll be playing with a bunch of 4- or 5-star recruits. I'm excited to talk with them and work on my game."

Another big perk of the game, besides playing with top recruits, is the chance to learn from a wide range of coaches. 

According to Offense-Defense Sports – which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and claims to be oldest football camp company in the U.S. – the following coaches will lead two-a-day practices and coach the game:

Mike Sherman (former head coach/GM of the Packers, former head coach at Texas A&M, current coach of Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League)

Robert Ford (former NFL assistant coach with the Cowboys, Dolphins, Cardinals, and Raiders)

Kenny Stills Sr. (former NFL player, current RB coach at IMG Academy)

A host of NFL players have played in the bowl and participated in O-D camps, including Lamar Jackson, Dez Bryant, Carlos Dunlap, and Cam Newton. 

Campolieti is excited to be a sponge for the week and learn as much as he can. 

"With all of the coaches from different systems, every single coach will have different techniques," Campolieti said. "I'll be able to use their techniques and make my game better."

Campolieti has drawn looks from a wide range of schools. Many are looking at him as a preferred walk-on. Schools that have shown interest include Rutgers, Bowling Green, Lake Erie College, Cincinnati Christian, West Virginia, Eastern Michigan, and Michigan State. Campolieti is also very interested in Ohio State, calling it his "dream school." 

Wherever the hard-working linebacker winds up, he'll be a success. Campolieti has a bright future ahead of him, including next week at Daytona Beach. 

Congratulations, Caden! We'll be rooting for you from Cleveland!