Deontae Camel is a running back at St. Michael the Archangel High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Last year, he tore his ACL during a game—a devastating knee injury that threatened his season and his future on the field.
After ACL reconstruction, Deontae committed to rehab with Luke Bunch, DPT and the therapy team at Ochsner-Andrews Sports Medicine Institute. The work was tough. Some days he didn’t want to show up. But he stayed consistent, and the effort paid off.
In This Article [show]
The Injury
During his season, Deontae tore his ACL. Non-contact ACL injuries are common in high school athletes who cut and plant at full speed. As a running back, everything depends on explosive movement and the ability to trust every cut without hesitation.
Dr. Burnham performed an ACL reconstruction. From day one, Deontae attacked his recovery with the same intensity he brings to the field.
The Recovery
ACL recovery takes time. There are stretches when progress feels slow. Deontae was honest about that. Some days meant skipping rehab felt tempting. What changed things was showing up anyway, staying consistent, and trusting the rehabilitation team to guide the way.
Luke Bunch, DPT worked with Deontae through each phase of recovery. The return-to-sport program follows progressive milestones, not calendars. Athletes are cleared based on strength, movement quality, and confidence—not dates.
The Comeback
Deontae’s first game back was against Folsom. He looked transformed. In that single game, he scored three touchdowns, rushed for 124 yards on 14 carries, and helped lead the Warriors to an 8-4 season and an LHSAA Division II Select playoff appearance.
Stats like that don’t appear by accident. They come from months of showing up, grinding through the work, and trusting the process when doubt creeps in.
In His Own Words
Deontae shared his advice for other athletes facing ACL recovery: “Stay positive, stay committed to your recovery. You’re going to be better than you were before.”
He also spoke about the hard days in a way that resonates with athletes and parents alike: “Some days, I might not feel like doing the work, but I come in and they help me get back on the right track, and I walk out with a smile on my face.”
That’s the mindset that gets athletes back. Not just physically ready to play, but mentally prepared to compete without hesitation.
The Bottom Line
Deontae’s story shows that ACL injuries don’t have to be the end. The right surgery, a structured rehabilitation program, and an athlete willing to do the work every day add up to a comeback that can exceed what came before. This young man has proven it.
If you or your athlete is dealing with an ACL injury in Baton Rouge, LA, contact Dr. Burnham to start building a return-to-play plan.
“Some days, I might not feel like doing the work, but I come in and they help me get back on the right track, and I walk out with a smile on my face.”
Deontae Camel, Running Back, St. Michael the Archangel