Northridge’s DeVaughn Quits Team : College football: Matadors’ leading rusher leaves because of family obligations; Campbell, a freshman, will suit up.

Tailback Victor DeVaughn was thrilled last spring when football coaches at Cal State Northridge discovered that he had one year of eligibility remaining.

That year was cut short when DeVaughn, Northridge’s leading rusher, left the team this week because of family obligations.

“I understand the reasons behind it and I’m in full agreement with it,” Northridge Coach Bob Burt said. “This is something Vic has to do.”

DeVaughn, a physical-education major from Chicago, will remain in school.

In four games this season, the 6-foot, 210-pound senior rushed for 138 yards in 39 carries and caught four passes for 22 yards. In two previous seasons as backup to Albert Fann, CSUN’s career rushing leader, DeVaughn rushed for 271 yards and two touchdowns in 37 carries.

To compensate for DeVaughn’s absence, freshman Jonathon Campbell will suit up Saturday against Santa Clara at North Campus Stadium.

Campbell, the 1990 City Section 3-A Division player of the year for Poly High, was expected to redshirt this season. As a precautionary measure, he accompanied the 2-3 Matadors on all four of their road trips.

“I had to be ready but I kinda knew that something bad had to happen for me to get in,” Campbell said.

“It has been tough waiting, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Our conference championship is still up in the air and if I can help us win it, it is worth it for me to play a half-season.”

Campbell scored 31 touchdowns last season to lead Poly to the championship. He was the leading City rusher from the Valley region, gaining 2,091 yards in 304 carries, an average of 6.9 yards a carry.

“We’re giving Jonathon a shot because he’s done a lot of good things,” Burt said. “We’re not happy about this situation, but we try to look at the positives. Victor’s leaving is giving a young player (Campbell) a chance to contribute.”

On the CSUN depth chart, Campbell is listed as the second tailback behind junior Bill Harris, who has gained 137 yards and scored a touchdown in 47 carries.