Army LB Caleb Campbell was the toast of the 2008 NFL Draft. Fans serenaded him with chants with “Ca-Leb Camp-bell” and “USA … USA” anytime he was shown during the draft coverage. The crowd went absolutely nuts when he was selected by the Lions in the seventh round.

That was the only highlight of Campbell’s professional career after the Department of Defense reversed its alternative-service policy, forcing the budding star into his military commitment.

At least until now.

Campbell coached at West Point and even tried out for the United States bobsledding team, but now he is in camp with the Lions (via the Detroit Free Press). The Lions had long since lost the rights to Campbell, but brought him in for a workout in March to find that he was bigger, faster and stronger. Now he’s getting a chance that he was deprived of two years ago, as the Army is working with him this time.

Campbell says that it has been a struggle to get here, but he is certainly embracing the opportunity.

“I love challenges,” Campbell said, smiling. “It seems like my whole life’s a challenge.”

Other news making its way Around the Web on a Saturday:

• The Patriots released Adalius Thomas this week, and there is some interest buzzing around the league. Jets coach Rex Ryan — who coached Thomas in Baltimore — told the Newark Star-Ledger that there is definite interest in bringing in Thomas. Coach Mike Singletary told the team’s official Web site that the 49ers could be interested as well.

• 49ers WR Ted Ginn Jr. is making quite an impression on his new teammates, particularly QB Alex Smith, according to the Sacramento Bee. “He’s come in, he’s been here every day since he’s got here,” Smith said. “He’s been hungry, he’s been out here throwing with us. … Whether or not he was like that before, I don’t know, but he’s come in here with a great attitude.”

• Steelers WR Limas Sweed is looking for a new start, so he is switching to No. 80, according to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Then he went and quoted the movie, The Warriors. “It’s a new start and a new number,” he said Friday. “Can you dig it?”

• The Philadelphia Daily News reports that Eagles DE Victor Abiamiri had microfracture surgery on his left knee back in February. Abiamiri will not be able to run until August, and his not likely to be ready for the start of the season.

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