Michigan State football: Analyzing 3 quotes from Mel Tucker’s press briefing

Late last week, Wayne State University hosted its National College Showcase. Afterward he met with a few reporters to take some impromptu questions, he was asked about official visits, the transfer portal and the quarterbacks room among the usual questions. But here are 3 quotes that most piqued my interest.

On team leadership, via Si.com

“Leadership was always important. I think that’s one of the more difficult challenging things to develop on your team, leaders, have a player-led team as opposed to a coach-led team.”

I am a huge fan of the player-led team philosophy. When you get 100-plus guys focusing on the same goal, that’s where the results come in.

Not only do you need “lead by example” football guys, but guys who end up straying from the pack and either want to do their own thing or be higher than the team get wrangled back in by teammates (peers) rather than the authority figures, which can go a long way for some players depending on upbringing, background, and personality.

Player division led to devastating results for the 2016 team, whether it was political beliefs or Malik McDowell trying to show what he can do instead of sticking to the defensive scheme, the lack of cohesion made for a disastrous 3-9 record. Talent is important and fun and makes things easier, but without chemistry and leadership, a season can slip away fast.