The 2016 first-round pick overcame a shaky MLS combine to establish himself at the center of the Fire defense.

NEW YORK — Before the 2016 MLS combine began, Jonathan Campbell entered the event as one of the highest-rated defenders in the MLS draft. He didn't play like it on the first two days of the combine though.

Fully aware that he hadn't lived up to his potential, the 22-year-old did something unusual. In one of his interviews with MLS coaching staffs before the final day of the combine, Campbell asked a coach what he could do better, and what could he do to show his quality.

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Some coaches might have taken such questions as a sign of uncertainty or lack of confidence, but for Chicago Fire head coach Velko Paunovic, it showed him a player who was willing to do whatever it takes to improve.

"He asked me what he could do better and I told him my opinion," Paunovic told Goal USA. "Then in the next game, he started to do those things, and I thought, ' I like this kid.'".

Campbell took Paunovic's advice and proceeded to have a strong final day at the combine, doing everything Paunovic had suggested. The impressive final combine day wasn't enough to keep Campbell from slipping out of the top 10 in the draft, but it was enough to convince Paunovic and Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez to select him with the 12th overall selection.

Campbell is well on his way to rewarding the Fire's decision. The North Carolina product has enjoyed a dream start to t his rookie season, establishing himself as a starter in the Fire central defense and playing well enough to be considered one of the best rookies in the league through the first quarter of the season.

"He's very mature for his age, especially with how he has taken the opportunities that he's had to play," Paunovic said. "He just looks like he's always been playing here. With that attitude he has, he wants to learn every session and every game. With his quality, and his willingness to work hard, he will be successful."

Campbell's strong start has been made even more impressive by the fact he has often been deployed as the central defender in a three-man defense, a position that carries plenty of responsibility and risk.

"For me, I like it because I get to just man mark a striker," Campbell told Goal USA. "it's a lot of responsibility because you're one on one, but it's fun and I'm comfortable in that spot."

Campbell's poise as a rookie has impressed his teammates and earned him a vital role in Paunovic's reconstruction project with the Fire.

"Off the field he's a nice guy, a very calm person. He has a very easy-going personality, and you wouldn't expect him to be so physical but he bangs with the forwards," Fire midfielder Michael Stephens told Goal USA. "You don't usually see rookies come in right away with that kind of confidence but he has it."

Campbell's presence has played a key role in the Fire allowing just seven goals in six matches this season, a rate significantly better than the nearly two goals-per-game rate the FIre defense allowed in 2015. Campbell has also proved to be adept at passing the ball out of the back, a trait that was instrumental in the Fire drafting him.

Campbell's impressive start to his rookie season has made his struggles at the MLS combine all the more surprising, though he is hardly the first player to struggle at the combine only to shine as a pro. The youngster has no trouble explaining why he didn't impress at the combine the way he is now with the Fire.

"The Combine is tough. You can play someone a decent ball that's playing out of the back, and it doesn't go the right way and it's a goal the other way, so you wind up being conservative at times," Campbell said. "There, you're playing with people you just met, and it isn't easy to get settled in that environment. Now, in Chicago, I'm settled in and I feel comfortable and the coaches and veterans are there to help me, so it's a great environment."