There are many different types of leadership in college football whether it’s leading by performance on the field, being a vocal leader in the huddle or inspiring teammates in the locker room. With the countdown to the 2016 season underway we took the time to look in to which players make the most noise and thrive in leadership roles for their respective teams. Here is a look at who gives the halftime speeches to the top Pac-12 teams.
Stanford: Christian McCaffrey
Running Back
When a star running back rushes for over 2,000 yards and eight touchdowns and added 45 catches for 645 yards and five scores there is a good chance he will be looked to as a leader of the football team. However, McCaffrey’s leadership at Stanford extends beyond his work ethic and level of play for the Cardinal as he has thrived as a vocal leader as well. McCaffrey was the first player on hand to greet players at the Cardinal spring practices earlier this year and that was even without being able to play. There is no doubt the star running back is a quality leader and an even better teammate.
USC: Jake Olson
Long Snapper
The Trojans could certainly use some help in the leadership department, especially since they are heading in to this season with extremely high expectations. They’ve also got what is basically a new head coach as the team decided to keep Clay Helton Jr., remove his interim tag and give him a chance to coach this team full time.
One player that should help them from a leadership perspective is Olson. He is a blind long snapper that has served as an inspiration to many on the team and across the country. He walked on to the USC roster as the long snapper but he has thrived in a leadership role ever since. The Trojans’ sports information director Tim Tessalone talked about the role that Olson has played as a motivational speaker for various groups outside of football and his skill set is perfect for the USC locker room as the player that gives their pre-game and halftime speeches in the locker room.
Washington: Azeem Victor
Linebacker
The Huskies’ defense established itself as one of the best in the Pac-12 last season and there is every reason to expect them to be just as good in 2016. That and special teams has been Head Coach Chris Peterson’s signature during his time as Boise State as a head coach and he’s clearly imparted that into Washington’s fabric as well.
One of the keys on that defense is Victor, who thrived in the middle linebacker role for Washington a year ago. But it wasn’t just his level of play that made the difference on that side of the football. Victor has thrived as one of the Huskies’ most vocal players and his leadership in the locker room has been an integral part of what make him so important to the team. Victory led the way with a team-high 95 tackles at Washington last year, so he not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. His role as a vocal leader was just as important to the team’s success.
Oregon: Royce Freeman
Running Back
Freeman has the potential to top the 2,000-yard rushing mark at Oregon this season but what he contributes on the field is only a part of what he brings the team. He has also been talked about as an emotional and vocal leader in the Ducks’ locker room. He might not yell and scream, but a member of the Oregon staff talked about how when something needs to be said, it is Freeman who says it. That’s particularly important for the Ducks because for the second season in a row, they are breaking in a new quarterback and don’t necessarily have that strong voice at that position.
The Ducks have the talent to contend for a Pac-12 championship in 2016. There is no doubt that Freeman will be one of the biggest keys to their success both on the football field and in the locker room.
