Colin Campbell, who commits to Louisville in eighth grade, becomes Brother Rice’s spark plug. ‘Sets the tone.’

Campbell is hitting .416 with 25 runs and 15 RBIs this season. He moved to the leadoff spot a couple weeks ago and has been thriving there, according to Brother Rice coach Sean McBride.

“He’s an energy player,” McBride said of Campbell. “When he’s going, and he has been all year, I think our team feeds off that. The last three games, he’s led off the game and smoked some balls.

“I think that sets the tone.”

Campbell has learned to put less pressure on himself. And while becoming a high-major recruit in eighth grade meant high expectations, it has taken a weight off his shoulders in another way.

“It’s been really nice knowing where I’m going and not having to worry about it,” Campbell said. “Some kids are under all this pressure to try to do big things to get recruited.

“I’ve never had that pressure and I can just play. And Louisville is a great school and a great baseball program, so I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Campbell grew up around baseball. His interest in the game sparked from watching his older brother, Nick, compete at Stagg and Joliet Junior College.

“I just kind of fell in love with the game then,” Colin said. “All my siblings did go to Stagg, but I just think Brother Rice was the right spot for me.

“Coming in here, there’s great competition and I love that. It just makes you a better player.”

Escobarete is glad Campbell made the choice to become a Crusader. He’s now their spark plug.

“Colin is getting on base mostly every time,” Escobarete said. “It really gets our energy going and gets our momentum rolling.”

And Campbell, for one, is definitely having fun playing that role.

“I kind of like being the leadoff guy,” Campbell said. “You set the tone for everybody.

“Starting this game with a leadoff double, it just sets the tone all day.”