With the season nearing, Missouri soccer introduced its six crew captains for the 2026 season. The group contains Cayden Inexperienced, Dominick Giudice, Nicholas Rodriguez, Jamal Roberts, Santana Banner and Blake Craig.
Inexperienced is getting into a extremely anticipated season, because the 6-foot-5 offensive deal with has obtained a handful of accolades earlier than the season even begins. He earned preseason All-SEC and AP preseason All-America honors and was named a crew captain. Nevertheless, it was not too long ago introduced that Inexperienced will miss the Tigers’ season opener.
Inexperienced displayed his management whereas talking with reporters Saturday, embracing his function as a captain even when he isn’t on the sector in Week 1.
“Now we have a regular on our crew, and it does not matter who we play. It ought to present up each single sport. So, you realize, cease the run, run the ball, cowl kicks. That is the expectation,” Inexperienced mentioned.
Fifth-year middle Giudice brings veteran expertise that youthful gamers can be taught from, particularly alongside the offensive line. When requested by reporters what it meant to be named a captain, Giudice expressed how a lot of an honor it was to earn the function.
“Being named the captain is certainly one of many biggest honors of my lifetime. Actually, simply reveals how the crew and the coaches see me. You understand the work that I put in to be right here at this spot and making an attempt to steer different guys together with the expertise that I’ve is a large honor, but additionally comes with an enormous accountability, and I am excited for it. Trying to tackle that function as we go all through the season, week by week, daily, and simply lead different guys alongside as greatest as I might,” Giudice mentioned.
Linebacker Rodriguez has not solely been named a captain however can be trying to tackle an even bigger function in Missouri’s protection this season. Very like Giudice, Rodriguez is grateful for the chance to steer the Tigers this 12 months.
“I am grateful for alternative, it’s a blessing. I am not the one one although. Now we have the crew. All of us attempt to lead collectively and go to our widespread purpose collectively. And on the finish of the day, we acquired to do stuff collectively with a purpose to get stuff carried out. I am grateful for the chance,” Rodriguez mentioned.
Constructing a legacy has been essential to working again Roberts as he returns this season. Roberts confirmed what he can deliver to Missouri’s backfield final 12 months, speeding for 753 yards and 6 touchdowns. Now, being named a crew captain and receiving that vote of confidence means lots to Roberts.
“It simply means lots. I imply, simply coming in, beginning my legacy, and simply ending. Simply being a part of the crew captains simply means lots to me. The brotherhood, they imagine in me to step up,” Roberts mentioned.
The Tigers’ secondary incorporates a crew captain in security Banner. For the senior, being a captain goes past his efficiency on the sector. Banner believes the function gives a possibility to make use of his vocal presence and lead his teammates.
“I actually imagine it is extra of a vocal factor. Me doing my job on the sector is simply what I signed up for after I determined to play soccer. However I believe the largest a part of being a captain is with the ability to, you realize, after we play a sport the place there’s all the time going to be adversity, with the ability to assist my guys discuss by it, allow them to know it may be all proper, hold everyone’s head on straight,” Banner mentioned.
Tigers placekicker and closing crew captain Craig is aware of all about going through adversity. Craig enters this season after working his manner again from an ACL tear he suffered final 12 months. After navigating the street to restoration, Craig doesn’t take the captain function calmly and appreciates understanding his teammates view him as a frontrunner.
“It is a blessing and simply an honor typically that my teammates assume so extremely of me. I’ve labored my butt off to get again, and I believe that they’ve acknowledged that. And I simply wish to hold proving to them daily that I am nonetheless that man, and we’re having a fantastic season. So, was an enormous honor,” Craig mentioned.
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