July 25, 2001
Q: "I would like to know what you expect from your football players. I'm a senior leader on my football team and I try to show good leadership, but it seems like I'm not doing a great job of it. I mean, they listen to me but I want them to be able to trust me with anything that happens on the field. Hopefully you can help me out." (question submitted by Montrel Johnson, Evansville, Ind.)
Coach Harbaugh: "Leadership is a most interesting word. Sometimes we interpret it as a "hot and fiery guy" and sometimes we interpret it as a "guy on your teammates' case verbally." My definition is merely lead. Do the things you need to do to make yourself the best team player you can be. Work hard in the weight room. Work hard on the practice field. Study hard in the classroom. Play as hard as you can in competition. Be first in your drills. Be a leader. There are those who watch and follow. You become a leader without sometimes speaking a word."
Q: "Hi, My name is Carone Tharpe and I will be a senior for the up-coming season. I went to school with Shannon Hayes. I am 16 and a 6-1, 160 lb. wide receiver. I eat a lot but I can't gain any weight! Do you have any suggestions?" (question submitted by Carone Tharpe, Hollow Rock, Tenn.)
Coach Harbaugh: "Don't worry about it, wide receivers come in all shapes and sizes. Work hard physically, play within the framework of what's best for the team and exhibit senior leadership -- these are the same qualities that Shannon possessed in his time at McKenzie High School. If you do those things, I'm sure that an opportunity will come along for you to play at the next level."
