Emil Ekiyor speaks on leadership differences among offensive line compared to last year

There was a bevy of changes to make in the Alabama locker room as they looked to rebound after suffering defeat on the biggest stage in college football last season, and Crimson Tide offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor recognizes that.

Speaking with the media, Ekiyor revealed coaches have looked to him, among others, to become more of a leader with the season approaching.

“Coach has challenged myself, a couple of older guys in the room, so we have leadership on the offensive line,” stated Ekiyor. “He felt like last year, leadership may not have been where it was supposed to be. So I really took that challenge upon myself to just push everybody to be their best, and set the example.

“Physically, by just showing them this is what it looks like to play hard, and that kind of stuff. I think the comments are probably directed at the older guys in the room, including myself.”

Judging by his comments, Emil Ekiyor is up for the challenge of leading the Crimson Tide. With leaders like Ekiyor heading-up their position groups, Alabama has a tremendous foundation for their revenge tour in 2022.

Emil Ekiyor reveals ‘participation trophy’ on display after Alabama national championship loss

Continuing, the goal for head coach Nick Saban and Alabama is the same every season — winning the national championship. Anything less is considered a disappointment and everyone involved with the program will have motivation heading into the next season.

After losing to Georgia in January, the Crimson Tide are ready for their 2022 revenge tour and have found a simple way to remind themselves of last year.

While Kirby Smart got to hoist the College Football Playoff trophy, Alabama got one of their own as well. For making an appearance in the title game, a second place prize was on the trip back to Tuscaloosa, something the team makes sure to look at every day. Offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor revealed it’s on display in the team’s cafeteria, describing it as a “participation trophy.”

“It’s a trophy,” Ekiyor began. “It says ‘2022 Indianapolis.’ It’s basically like our runner-up trophy and there’s a sign under it that says ‘participation trophy. Are you happy with it?’ Just a little motivation to see that every day and remind you this is what we’re really working for, to change the outcome of the season. Focus to be the best we can be this year so we can ultimately have a different outcome at the end of the year.”

Ekiyor was a starter during both the 2020 and 2021 seasons, meaning he has been on both sides of a national championship. He was lifting the CFP trophy after defeating Ohio State but found himself on the losing side more recently. Heading into what should be his final season with Alabama, Ekiyor is looking to rekindle the feeling of winning a title by looking at previous failures.