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Who are this team's leaders?

bluerock9221

Gold Member
Oct 21, 2021
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Seems like all of our good teams had some leaders who the other players respected, who could get in the face of teammates when necessary, who lead by example. Last year, Will Levis and Deandre Square come to mind. Josh Paschal before that. This year??
 
Great question, Stoops was kind of asked that Monday and didn't say anyone. Our best players are either sophomores, or just got here from the portal. Eli Cox seems like one. JJ Weaver ought to be. Brendan Bates.

After what they've shown on the field first 3 games this team ought to walk through fire for Devin Leary & Ray Davis. I get them up to now maybe not wanting to step forward as team leaders since they just arrived. But now? They should have everyone's respect.
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And if Sat a sophomore slump wide reciever runs a lazy rounded off route..... Leary & Davis should jump their shit and call them out in front of the entire bench. Maybe that is what we have missed to get sharper play this year.
 
Just from observation, Ray Davis appears to be the one player that every player gravitates to. Both offense and defense.

He has leadership qualities.
 
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There is sufficient talent in that locker-room to have a great season. Going to come down to coaching and the resolve of the individual players.
 
Coen said earlier in the year that Leary leads, but he does so by example. Robinson has the most "seniority" of our star players since he's been here two years, so he would be the prime candidate on offense.

I have to think it would be weird for first year players in a new system to call any shots or jump down some younger dude's throats, so that leaves Leary and maybe Davis out. I agree Ray Davis has proven he can back up that talk, so I think it's possible he'll develop into a leader as the season wears on. The Vanderbilt game would be a great breakout opportunity.

On defense, I think we have to consider Wallace and D-Jack the leaders. Weaver could be that guy, but needs to improve his play if he wants to be a more effective leader – no more lapses or missed sacks/TFLs.

Iron sharpens iron, so I think SEC play will hone our leaders and we'll start to see who emerges – especially when our backs are against the ropes.
 
Seems like all of our good teams had some leaders who the other players respected, who could get in the face of teammates when necessary, who lead by example. Last year, Will Levis and Deandre Square come to mind. Josh Paschal before that. This year??
The 2023 team captains. Easy question to answer.

Devin Leary
The Horseman
Eli Cox
JJ Weaver
Zion Childress
Trevin Wallace
Deone Walker
 
The 2023 team captains. Easy question to answer.

Devin Leary
The Horseman
Eli Cox
JJ Weaver
Zion Childress
Trevin Wallace
Deone Walker
Captians are not for sure leaders in the scheme of getting players right and holding people accountable.

They've said Leary is a steady leader but not vocal really just leads by example. I could see after a few games he being able to step up more than when he arrived.

Even if capable it's awfully difficult to walk into a locker room and have the respect needed to hold people accountable it can easily backfire. But Dane and BB need held accountable if they're half assing routes and such.
 
Captians are not for sure leaders in the scheme of getting players right and holding people accountable.

You may have a point in theory, but these guys were chosen as our captains for a reason. Stoops' program is known for the family atmosphere. Although there have been occasional problems in the locker room, that is rare for this particular program because Stoops and the coordinators stress that the team is the priority. That's how they recruit and it's how they teach.

They've said Leary is a steady leader but not vocal really just leads by example. I could see after a few games he being able to step up more than when he arrived.
The seven captains, including Leary, are the leaders in the locker room. This has been widely acknowledged in multiple statements and interviews. Among the seven, it seems that Wallace, Childress, Weaver, and the Horseman are carrying the greatest influence.

Even if capable it's awfully difficult to walk into a locker room and have the respect needed to hold people accountable it can easily backfire. But Dane and BB need held accountable if they're half assing routes and such.
With regard to Dane and Barion, I am not as sure as you what the problem really is. Both played hard in 2022. I was at the Swamp when Dane caught the long post from Levin last year. It happened right in front of me, and it was a brilliant effort. So it is not yet clear to me that this is an effort issue. No doubt, some routes have not been precise enough. There have been a couple of drops. I wonder where Woody has been on this, since it is directly his responsibility. But if an older player has to straighten anything out, I have confidence that Leary and the Horseman know what needs to be said. There is nothing wrong with leading by example. Usually, leading by example is preferred. But if Leary needs to say something, I am sure he will.
 
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