Leadership this Fall?

[WorsterMan]

Coaching, X's & O's, techniques, schemes, attitude and execution will all be important ingredients going into this season. Player leadership will be no less important than in the past, in fact it may be more critical, as a number of seniors and a couple of juniors moved on.

For 2008 here is who I see as the leaders:

Defense;

Orakpo
Miller

Offense:

Colt
Hall

Colt became more of a leader last season. Hall calls the plays for the OL, so this makes him more of a leader than anyone else on the O side that I can see. Orakpo is clearly a leader and Miller seems to be leader.

There are other players that lead by example, but they don't seem to take an active or verbal leadership role on the team - Quan, Shipley and maybe Palmer fit in that category.

I am wrong on any of these assumptions - who do you think the leaders are going into the season?

 

[LurkerintheDark]

I just hope the team has somebody/anybody to step up as takecharge guys.

 

[salonghorn-70]

I agree that Colt will be the leader. I think he already is. There are some that have disagreed with this in the past, but I still think the team looks to Colt for leadership.

 

[Extra Large]

Well, we have not had any arrests so far this summer. Hopefully, that means that someone is having some positive influence.

 

[blonthang]

In a weird, cosmic way, I think Colt's recent trip to Peru on his missionary work will help him.

Got him away from video games, typical summer fare for college students, etc.

Making an ObiWan or Yoda out of him.

The Force is strong in this padawan. Lots of microchloridians in his blood.

Just sayin'.

 

[StringfelloHORN]

Don't forget about Bobino on defense. He will be making the calls behind the line.

 

[WorsterMan]

Good call on Bobino - I thought about him as a Sr., MLB and leader on the D but I had nothing else to base naming him a potential "leader". He always plays hard and may surprise this season with more of a leadership role.

 

[Austin180]

Leading by example is usually the best way to get people to follow. Later, you can get vocal but you have to perform or no one will listen to you.

Seniors are the traditional leaders but there are some younger players who are outperforming some seniors. You don't have to be a senior to say "follow me."

 

[Bluepies]

Vince was the on-field leader of the team by the end of his sophomore year. I don't see why a junior couldn't be this season.

 

[l00p]

Vince is a rarity. While it is not impossible, he had a certain air about him that very few have. It is not something you learn, it is not something you are taught. You can hone it but you had to have had it all along. Some youngin' could do it but it is doubtful. It is great when it happens but Vince had to even have an epiphany to realize his full role as a leader above what he already had.

Post Holiday Bowl Vince was a whole new animal.

 

[hornpharmd]

Very young team and many now weren't around when Vince was here. Many leaders on the team including Colt, Quan, Shipley, Orakpo, Miller, Lewis, Bobino, Palmer. Question is not about leadership but about will the young guys follow. I think they will.

Leaders like Vince who can command his teammates to follow and when they aren't able to take them on his back and carry them over the goalline are very rare. Jordan had this quality as well. Not too many other guys I think can think of.

 

[Detective Shilala]

I am not so worried about leadership on the offensive side of the ball. The offense came into its own around mid-season last season, and should be all right in the leadership dept.

The defense was still sorely lacking in leadership at the end of last season. The supposed leaders were the seniors, but only by virtue of being seniors. Tenure does not equate to leadership. Leaders make plays when big plays are needed most, and there was a huge void there last year.
Now hopefully a couple of guys will step up and make a few big plays, and that's all it takes for the other 9 guys to get their swagger back and start knocking some heads off.

Edit: Guess I could have just said ditto to what Austin180 said. He said t better than myself

 

[horngrad03]

Those who have been to 7 on7's this summer have singled out Colt and Bobino leading the charge.

 

[longhorn73]

The 'd' will need a leader in the secondary as well.

73

 

[baoklhorn]

Worster,

I agree with the leaders you listed for defense and offense. Bobino is a good call for leader of the linebackers. He is never afraid to hit something.

Would Ryan Palmer be ready to lead the secondary? no doubt the physical skills are there, but what about upstairs?

Also, I would like to know of the dedication factor. Vince led those 7on7 drills at night with the stadium lights off. Can or will Colt match something like that?