Harsin expresses a 'deep appreciation' for team captain Chandler Wooten
AUBURN | Chandler Wooten made the tough decision to sit out last season.
Wooten, with a family to consider, weighed the risks and rewards of playing football during the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic, and chose to sit out the season.
When new head coach Bryan Harsin arrived, he made it a point to have an in-depth conversation with Wooten, hoping to learn more about the man and football player.
Harsin was also honest, as he wanted to learn about Wooten’s commitment to the team. The Tigers’ new head coach wasn’t here when Wooten decided to opt out. He had never met Wooten. This was an important conversation for Harsin to understand the motivations of Wooten.
Needless to say, Harsin came away thoroughly impressed.
“We had a great conversation,” Harsin recalled. “He’s a family man. I asked, ‘what is it about you that I need to know?’ He said, ‘I’m a leader. From that point on, he and I connected.”
On Wednesday, Harsin announced that Wooten, along with junior linebacker Owen Pappoe, were voted team captains by their teammates.
“Chandler Wooten and Owen Pappoe have stepped up and lead,” Harsin said. “They’ve demonstrated daily. I’m proud of those guys. There’s no greater honor that to be voted captains by your teammates. They’re going to do a tremendous job leading our team.”
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Wooten is part of a leadership group called Tiger Club. Harsin and the staff have created different leadership groups, or accountability groups, for the team. Wooten is an important piece of the culture being built under Harsin.
“He’s been exactly that,” Harsin said. “He works hard, shows up every day, I’ve got a deep appreciation for him. I care tremendously for him. I see him as a football player and a man, father. This was a special moment for him.”
Wooten said earlier in camp, “sometimes, change is good,” referring to the coaching change from Gus Malzahn to Harsin.
“It’s a different energy and different vibe,” Wooten said. “I love Coach Harsin. That’s the kind of coach I love to play for.”
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