Dave Rimington noticed who led the way as Alabama players filed out of the locker room right before the college football national championship game Monday night.
It was Ryan Kelly, the Crimson Tide's senior center and winner of the 17th Rimington Trophy.
As one of the team's four permanent captains, Kelly was mindful of the importance of strong leadership. And effective leadership — as is the case with almost any championship team — was crucial for the Tide as it earned the program's 16th national crown by defeating Clemson 45-40.
Alabama's cohesion was stronger than in recent seasons, and core leadership had a lot to do with it, said Kelly, who Saturday night in Lincoln will be presented with the trophy that annually goes to the nation's top collegiate center.