The Brotherhood: LSU OL Will Campbell and Emery Jones Moving As One
LSU offensive linemen Will Campbell and Emery Jones share a rare bond that continues evolving after big-time freshman campaigns in 2022.
From shopping at Sunglass Hut to eating Thanksgiving meals together at the Jones household, the sophomore sensations are as close off the field as they are on it.
It all started during their senior year of high school. Both coveted prospects in Louisiana, they grew close during the recruitment process, but once the duo committed to LSU, it was only the beginning.
Fast forward to a true freshman season that saw Campbell inserted as the day one starter and Jones shortly following as the starting right tackle, both were thrown in the fire early.
It’s rare to see two freshmen start in their first season in the SEC. Brian Kelly traditionally goes with experience in the trenches, but the youngsters held their own and earned the respect from both their teammates and the coaching staff.
Thrown in the fire, sharing a bond in Tiger Stadium and living together has started an everlasting friendship that has the two light up when they speak about one another.
Jones’ Perspective:
Campbell has evolved into a key piece to what the Tigers are building in the trenches in Baton Rouge. He earned the coveted No. 7 jersey and has developed into one of the top offensive linemen in America.
As Campbell continues shining, it pushes Jones that much harder. The two hold it down on the outside. With Campbell handling starting left tackle duties and Jones opposite on the right side, it’s similar roles.
On the field is business, but off the field it’s about evolving as men and Jones couldn't be more grateful.
“That’s my brother. We live together, we room together. It’s like having another brother from another mother,” Jones said. “It’s just fun to be around that guy. He’s a great guy, a great person who cares about everyone. It’s a great feeling to have people like that around you.”
Their bond started as seniors in high school. Louisiana breeds gifted talent on the gridiron, and for Campbell and Jones, the duo emerged as two of the top players in the state.
When it came down to it, suiting up alongside one another quickly became a thought, deciding to pull the trigger and commit to LSU.
“We were close senior year when we were recruited. We started building our bond and then once we committed it was ‘let’s go stack our room up,’” Jones said.
Campbell and Jones are stylish guys. Off the field, it’s all about shopping and eating when the two finish up practice.
We saw Campbell’s luxurious fit for the home opener against Grambling, with Jones throwing together an outfit of his own, but it’s all about fashion for the two big guys up front.
“We always go to Sunglass Hut,” Jones said. “Last year before the games started we went and got Burberry glasses, he got the white version and I got the all black version. We hang out around each other outside of football, building that relationship.”
Campbell’s Appreciation for Jones:
Campbell is a serious, passionate player on the field. He’s a guy who has his dreams right in front of him and he won’t let anything stop him from achieving greatness.
But there’s another side to the former five-star offensive lineman. A different side to the Monroe (La.) native that Jones gets to see on a daily basis.
It’s night and day from when the two unlace their cleats and head home and Jones appreciates every second of it.
It’s a two-way street. Campbell may be quiet and serious at times, but when he’s speaking about Jones, he lights up. He voices his love and respect for his roommate, teammate and best friend.
“That’s my brother, I went to his house for Thanksgiving last year,” Campbell said. “It’s family.”
The sophomore sensations aren’t up next. They’re up now, and as they continue evolving into leadership roles for the Tigers, they know precisely who they’ll be mentoring along the way.
The Next One Up: Zalance Heard
Heard has been the talk of the town over the last few weeks. He shined in Fall Camp and has an opportunity to slide into the starting lineup by the time the season ends.
Kelly has spoken highly of his true freshman offensive tackle and it’s clear the opportunity in front of him.
The Tigers could roll with three young Louisiana offensive linemen in their starting rotation if Heard enters the mix alongside Campbell and Jones.
Campbell would handle starting left tackle duties with Heard taking over the opposite side. For Jones, he would slide over to the right guard position.
When speaking about Heard, Jones couldn’t help but praise the youngster and his development since arriving in Baton Rouge, comparing the two’s process.
“I see a lot of me in him as far as understanding the game. I feel like [Heard] has a great knowledge and wants to get better and that’s all you can ask for from a young guy,” Jones said.
“He brings effort, nastiness, everything you want on the offensive line. I feel like he did great [against Grambling]. Made the right calls, picked up the right stuff and now we’re gonna keep on building that.”
For now, Campbell and Jones will hold it down in the trenches until their partner in crime gets his opportunity, but going through the motions alongside one another has generated an everlasting bond.
From their first starts in Death Valley to spending Thanksgiving dinner together, Campbell and Jones are living their dreams one day at a time as Tigers.
