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University of Minnesota Athletics
Camp Blog: Captain's Corner
8/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
GopherSports.com will provide a daily blog from the beginning of preseason traiing camp until the week of the season-opener at Middle Tennessee State, set for Sept. 2. Check back here often for updates from throughout preseason camp. Associate Athletic Communications Director Andy Seeley and other staff members will be covering camp. If you would like to ask a question about preseason camp, have a request for something you'd like to see in the blog or just a comment on the blog, feel free to send an e-mail to aseeley@umn.edu.
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Camp Blog: Captain's Corner - Brandon Kirksey
Minnesota junior defensive tackle Brandon Kirksey is fully embracing a leadership role as the Gophers' lone junior team captain.
After accumulating 24 tackles in his first two seasons, the 6-foot-3, nearly 300-pound defensive tackle is expected to step-up and lead a young defense. His presence on the interior of the defensive line will be a crucial piece to the Gophers' defensive effort in 2010.
However, Kirksey sees his role being played out beyond what he can accomplish as an individual. He is also looking to ensure the success of his teammates who line up next to him.
"I'm there to help the younger guys establish themselves and find something on the defensive line that defines us," Kirksey said.
Leadership has always come naturally to Kirksey. He has used life experiences from growing up in less-than-ideal circumstances in his hometown of St. Louis to become a person others can look up to.
Kirksey credits the birth of his daughter Nakiyah to keeping him on track. With school and football acting as
focal points to provide a better life for her, he puts an emphasis on going about all aspects of life in the right way.
"My daughter played a big role in me coming here ... and for me to even have the desire to come to college," Kirksey said.
Kirksey has become exceedingly active in the community, as well as becoming a scholar-athlete. With his magnetic personality and instinctive leadership skills, it is no surprise that Kirksey became a captain after just two short years in the Gopher program.
His attitude of taking nothing for granted continues to show in how he performs as a leader for his teammates. Kirksey sets a high bar for success for himself, and he uses that influence on those around him to push them toward greater achievements.
"I'm more of a leader by example, I try to do things right on and off the field," Kirksey said. "We're all student-athletes here and the student part comes first and getting in the books. Then on the field, it's just coming to workouts, being on time and working towards being the best of the best."
-Athletic Communications Assistant Keith Beise
