Indiana's Bedford, Camper Working Their Way Back From ACL Injuries
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana football lost its leading receiver and one of its most experienced offensive linemen to season-ending ACL injuries during the 2022 season.
Starting right tackle Matthew Bedford tore his ACL in Week 1 against Illinois, and 6-foot-2 receiver Cam Camper suffered the same injury in Week 8 at Rutgers. After a 3-0 start, the Hoosiers concluded the season with a 4-8 record, going 2-7 in Big Ten play.
Fast forward to spring ball, where Camper and Bedford are able to participate in limited activities, and their timetable for return remains uncertain.
"Making strides every week," Camper said. "Starting to get running mostly. Overall it's been a good, challenging process and fun to go through. It's just something new that I got to deal with, so I'm just trying to make it fun for myself so I can get through it."
Recovering from a torn ACL might not seem 'fun' as Camper mentioned, but he's attacking it with a mindset of becoming the player he aspires to be. Before his injury eight games into the season, the transfer from Trinity Valley Community College led all Indiana receivers with 46 receptions and 569 yards.
When his fall against Rutgers ended his breakout season, Camper didn't know what to think.
"It was just something that I've never felt before," Camper said.
Nearly six months later, on Tuesday morning at Indiana's spring practice, Camper was getting individual reps in and looking more like himself during the drills. Despite his 'fun' attitude of getting back to normal speed, he still recognizes the hardships that come with recovery.
"With this, you're going to have good days and bad days," Camper said. "Some days you're going to get up and be like 'I don't want to do nothing on this leg today,' but you just got to figure it out and push through it."
Oct 8, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Cam Camper (6) catches a long pass during the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium.
© Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Supporting him along the way is Bedford, who's shared similar experiences on the road to recovery throughout the last seven months. After starting 27 games in his first three seasons at Indiana and earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2021, Bedford tore his ACL in the season opener against Illinois.
Bedford said he's been able to participate in the individual portion of practice, but he's unsure when he'll be able to fully return.
"I'm just trying to get back that confidence in that knee, and I feel like I'm on my way," Bedford said. "Just trying to test it every single day, pushing the bounds, making it hurt, recovering well. Just trying to get back."
Bedford has been wearing a headset during team portions of spring practice, acting like another coach for the offensive linemen.
"When you're on the sidelines and you stand next to Coach, you see things as soon as they happen," Bedford said. "You get to coach them right on the spot, and I even get to help my teammates."
Bedford's leadership role has made an impression on Camper throughout the recovery process.
"I pay attention to his mindset," Camper said. "He's got a great attitude coming in every day, so I try to follow his lead."
Indiana Hoosiers place kicker Charles Campbell (93) and offensive lineman Matthew Bedford (76) react after kicking a 50-yard field goal during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels during the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
Bedford said his leadership role hasn't changed much this spring season. He's still committed to encouraging his teammates and helping them see things from a different perspective. Bedford's faith in God gets him through the tough days as he hopes he'll be able to knock people over the way he used to.
Camper said he hopes to be back by the season opener against Ohio State on Sep. 2 at Memorial Stadium, but he's still focusing on day-to-day improvements. Bedford has seen him making strides.
"He's working hard trying to get cuts and stuff," Bedford said. "He's looking athletic. He's running faster than me right now."
While he's still limited and working his way back to full strength, Bedford has loved throwing on the Indiana jersey again this spring.
"Football's my lady," Bedford said. "And it's been a long time since I've been with her."
Related stories on Indiana football
- DONAVEN McCULLEY ENTERS YEAR TWO AT RECEIVER Donaven McCulley transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver before the 2022 season, and now, with a year under his belt and some physical adjustments, McCulley feels more comfortable and ready to contribute to Indiana's offense. CLICK HERE
- KOBEE MINOR JOINS INDIANA: Cornerback Kobee Minor transferred from Texas Tech to Indiana this offseason, and he discussed the transition on Thursday after spring practice. CLICK HERE
- CARTER, MANGUM-FARRAR JOIN INDIANA: Western Michigan defensive lineman transfer Andre Carter and Stanford linebacker transfer Jacob Mangum-Farrar are adjusting to new and versatile defensive roles ahead of the 2023 season. CLICK HERE
