Hail To The Captains

Oct. 18, 2005

By Chris Purser
Athletics Media Relations

According to Webster's Dictionary, the word "Captain" is a military term meaning "Chief", the person in charge. That same type of description applies to athletic teams. A veteran member, usually a senior, is voted on by either their coaching staff or team members as players that the other members of the team can look up to.

This season, the Ole Miss Rebels are trying a different approach to their captains. Instead of the usual five players they have had in year's past, this season, the Rebels have just two permanent team captains, and game day captains. As a result, the honor of being a captain takes on a whole new meaning. It is something special, knowing that you are the main guy that everyone is counting on. Just ask this season's captains, offensive lineman Tre' Stallings and defensive lineman Michael Bozeman.

Stallings is a four-year starter at tackle on the offensive line for the Rebels. A senior from Magnolia, Miss., the 6-4 big guy smiles when asked about his status as a leader of this year's team.

"I think it is a huge honor to be voted team captain," said Stallings. "When Coach O told me I was a team captain, it touched my heart. I was excited about the opportunity to lead the team."

And lead his team he has. Stallings enters today's contest having drawn a start in 42 straight games. That kind of determination shows why the coaching staff voted him team captain. It also shows why the younger players look up to him.

"A lot of the younger guys, especially on the offensive line, look up to me," Stallings says. "They need help with things like work ethic and just knowing how to play the game of football."

But work ethic and fundamentals are not the only things that Stallings brings to the offense. "The game of football is more of a mental game," Stallings said. "You have to be mental as well as physical to play offensive line. The physical aspect is only a part of playing football."

As the senior prepares for his final contest against Alabama, Stallings has plenty of fond memories at Ole Miss.

"Going to the Cotton Bowl was great," says Stallings. "That has to be my favorite game. The atmosphere and the hype surrounding the game was unbelievable. But, my favorite moment was this season when I was named a team captain."

On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Michael Bozeman is a senior starter from Hawkinsville, Ga. The winner of the J. Richard Price Courage and Compassion Award in the spring, the fifth-year lineman feels pretty good that his hard work has paid off with some due recognition.

"We have a new system this year, and it makes me feel proud that I have been here five years and I am getting recognized by the new coaches," Bozeman said. "I'm just enjoying the moment. It's a privilege."

While Bozeman knows that the younger players and current players have to learn a new system, he feels that it is an honor getting recognized by his new defensive coordinator.

"It's not only an honor to be a team captain, but also being the first one under Coach O," Bozeman said. "Coach O is not only our head coach but he is also our defensive coordinator."

And while most of Bozeman's accomplishments have been recognized on the field, it is the off the field aspects that has the attention of his teammates and coaches.

"I view myself as a leader not only on the field, but off the field as well," Bozeman says. "You have to show the new guys the way; help them adjust to college."

As Bozeman prepares for the stretch run of his final season with the Rebels, he recalls fondly one game during his redshirt freshman year.

"My redshirt freshman year, I didn't really get that much playing time," Bozeman says. "The best moment that season was the Independence Bowl against Nebraska. They were a big-time team at the time. To play against them and beat them was something special."

Bozeman has some advice for all his teammates.

"Enjoy your time here," says Bozeman. "We got off to a bad start this season, but we will turn it around."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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