Webb A Leader On And Off Field - University of Colorado Athletics

In everything he has done, Derrick Webb has always been a leader.

Whether heGÇÖs serving as a team captain and vocal leader on the field or working for one of the many community programs he is a part of off it, WebbGÇÖs leadership skills have always been as evident as the athletic talent that has made him a standout linebacker in the Pac-12.

GÇ£I think being a good leader is about doing the right thing,GÇ¥ said Webb, a 6-0, 230-pound product from MemphisGÇÖ Whitehaven High School. GÇ£You have to set a good example first then you can be more vocal.GÇ¥

Almost from the moment his career as a Buff began, Webb has excelled in setting an example for his teammates to follow. As a redshirt freshman in 2009, WebbGÇÖs hustle and hard work earned him the coveted Special Teams Scout Award. After serving as the teamGÇÖs best special teams performer for two seasons, Webb evolved into ColoradoGÇÖs leading tackler in 2012 and heads into his senior season as arguably the unitGÇÖs best player.

GÇ£IGÇÖve come along way but IGÇÖm still improving,GÇ¥ said Webb. GÇ£IGÇÖm getting better because I never let myself feel satisfied. I just try to keep working. I definitely think IGÇÖm going to play my best football this season.GÇ¥

Webb tied for the second most snaps played on defense last year (601), recording 88 tackles, 61 of the solo variety, with 12 stops at or behind the line of scrimmage (seven for zero, five for losses with a quarterback sack), along with a team-best nine third down stops.

WebbGÇÖs athleticism will surely make him one of the most talented linebackers in the Pac-12 Conference next season, but itGÇÖs the leadership qualities that he possesses that truly separate him from most of his peers.

GÇ£Being a good leader is about more than playing well in a game,GÇ¥ said Webb. GÇ£ItGÇÖs about continuing to do the right thing on and off the field, too.GÇ¥

In addition to his responsibilities as a player and in the classroom, Webb spends much of his time in the off-season working for agencies that hone and develop leadership skills through hands-on experience. Webb works extensively with a program called Bridge Builders, which seeks to develop future leaders through teamwork in various community service projects. He has also spent time as a volunteer basketball coach for the Special Olympics.

Webb feels that the expertise he has gained in the various off the field ventures he dedicates his time to translates into an ability to succeed in lead positions, as well as direct a group of people towards one common goal which manifests itself through various situations on the football field.

GÇ£I think those things help me a lot on the field,GÇ¥ said Webb. GÇ£It helps me with the vocal part of being a leader and understanding when to be more of a vocal leader and when to be quiet and lead by example.GÇ¥

WebbGÇÖs role as a leader will become even more vital this season due to the loss of seniors Jon Major and Doug Rippy, which will leave a large void in terms of experience, expertise and leadership within the linebacker corps which will need to be filled.

GÇ£They were great leaders and weGÇÿll miss them,GÇ¥ said Webb. GÇ£I learned a lot from those guys. Everyone else will just have to step up and I will have to try to help bring the young linebackers along as we go.GÇ¥

Webb is one of just three seniors along with Paul Vigo and reserve Tommy Papilion in a group that will include six underclassmen this fall, but despite a seeming overall lack of experience, Webb thinks the unit has a chance to be almost as good as last year.

GÇ£WeGÇÖre going to surprise a lot of people this year,GÇ¥ said Webb. GÇ£We have a lot of young talent but across the board we have a pretty good amount of experience. A lot of guys had playing time because of some the injuries last year so they will be ready.GÇ¥

After an off-season of change and rebirth, Webb welcomes a chance to change the environment created by a losing culture that has surrounded the program in recent years. Although that change may not be fully realized until after his career comes to an end, it may be the seeds planted by the current teamGÇÖs leaders that will grow into the fruits of future success in the years to come, a role Webb equally embraces.