Linebacker Caleb Campbell is one of the best stories in the NFL. He was drafted out of West Point by the Lions in 2008, then the Army changed the rules and forced him to complete two years of active duty before he could sign with an NFL team.

It was a long two years for Campbell. He served stateside and has often mentioned how he was able to keep up his workouts to keep him in shape for football. It wasn’t typical training — for a while he worked with the U.S. bobsled team — but he kept it up.

When he got word this spring that he could play football and serve in the reserves, he returned to the practice facility. He was bigger, stronger and faster than he had been when he was drafted. He’s now 6-foot-2 and 237 pounds. The Lions are moving him from safety to linebacker.

Even though he’s learning a new position, he has fit right in. Coach Jim Schwartz has been nothing but complimentary about the first lieutenant who is from Texas.

Despite the odds, the 23-year-old Campbell has a shot to make the roster. It would likely be mostly on special teams, but it would be a start. If not perhaps he’ll land on the practice squad.

He made some nice plays in the OTAs, but training camp will provide a huge opportunity for him.

(This is part of a series of 20 Lions to watch in training camp which starts July 31. See more on Campbell and his journey at West Point in Sunday's Oakland Press and on TheOaklandPress.com on Sunday. Follow me on Twitter.com @PaulaPasche.)