'Blessed' and 'honored': Auburn names three outstanding team captains

_JHokanson

On3 image — John Samuel Shenker, Derick Hall, Owen Pappoe represent Auburn's three permanent team captains for the 2022 season. (Photo by Auburn Athletics)

AUBURN – Auburn football returned to the practice fields on Tuesday, but the day was really about three important players in Owen Pappoe, Derick Hall and John Samuel Shenker.

Following practice, the media spoke with head coach Bryan Harsin and the three permanent team captains for the season.

“The three guys that are sitting up here were voted team captains by their teammates. I’m super excited they have the opportunity to lead our team. Anything that comes from your peers — that means something,” Harsin said.

Captain Owen Pappoe (0) Auburn football captains presser on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 in Auburn, Ala. Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

Pappoe is a two-time team captain after earning the same honor last season. That’s something only four other Auburn players can lay claim to, joining center Reese Dismukes (2013-14), linebacker Gusty Yearout (1966-67) and halfback Curtis Kuykendall (1944-45).

“Wow,” Pappoe said after hearing that news. “I don’t even know what to say. That’s crazy.

“People are going to look to me for answers, especially the young guys. It’s my job to set the example every day and show them how to be a successful college football player. Doing the right thing every day. I can’t show up and have a bad day. If they see me slacking, they think they can slack. I take the responsibility to do things right every single day.”

Pappoe enters the season with 163 career tackles, looking to regain his 2020 form of 93 tackles and four sacks. Pappoe believes the time on the sidelines made him a smarter, more prepared football player.

“I’ve become more a student of the game, coaching up the guys — it’s helped me learn more of the defense,” he said. “I learned different ways to study film, being a coach on the field, not just attacking it one way. I know the defense like the back of my hand. I’m getting back in the groove and things are running smooth.”

Hall has long been a leader for Auburn, but now earns the official label of team captain. It’s not something he thought long and hard about, but the honor is certainly something Hall greatly appreciates.

“First off, it’s a blessing and honor to be here, and be in this position,” Hall said. “For them to see fit for me to lead this team, it’s a big role and big responsibility. I’m blessed to be in this position.”

Entering the season with 86 career tackles and 13 career sacks, including nine last season, Hall has plenty to prove this fall. But don’t misunderstand Hall and his motivations for returning, it’s much more about the “AU” on the helmet than his name next to a single-season sack record.

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“I don’t have that many personal goals. A lot of people mention the sack record, and yes that’s something I want to do, but this program is more important,” Hall said. “Trying to help this program take the next step and get Auburn back to where it needs to be is the biggest thing for me.”

Captain Derick Hall (29) Auburn football captains presser on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022 in Auburn, Ala. Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

And then there’s Shenker who grew up in Albany, Ga. watching Auburn games and never giving much thought about one day being a team captain.

“It’s a honor to be selected to this group,” he said. “What a blessing and a dream. Growing up watching these games, it’s really special for me.”

Shenker admitted to learning valuable lessons from former teammate Chandler Cox, saying, “he was a driving force for me, staying and playing the way I do.”

Entering his sixth season on the Plains, Shenker’s goals and missions this season are fairly straightforward.

“I remember walking onto the field against Houston and telling Coach Harsin, ‘I’m coming back and it’s not for me. It’s for Auburn,’ Shenker said. “I believe in what he does. That was the reason a lot of us came back was because of Coach Harsin and what he has for this program. That’s the main reason, to play behind Coach Harsin.”