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Are leaders born or made? It’s an age-old question with varying opinions.

In the case of sophomore defensive lineman Anthony Chickillo, some of that leadership has to be in the bloodline of the third generation Hurricane, but in the case of the depleted 2012 Miami defense, Chick is being forced to grow up overnight.

“There’s no doubt we’re going to have to grow up fast,” said Chickillo. “We have to be accountable for each other, push each other and make sure everybody is doing what they’re supposed to be doing at all times. I thought coming in I’d still be learning from older guys at this point. But everything happens for a reason. I think I can anchor this defensive line and be one of the leaders of this team.”

Chickillo expained to the Herald and Manny Navarro that he’s been a leader at every level he’s played. Last year he naturally deferred to seniors like Sean Spence and JoJo Nicolas, but with those guys having moved on, Chickillo is ready to take over and others are taking notice.

“Chick is starting to step up and become that leader a lot of guys are scared to be,” said redshirt junior defensive tackle Curtis Porter. “He knows we need one.” Right tackle Jermaine Johnson referred to Chickillo as “a bad ass” and praised his mobility and speed.

Chickillo showed some of his fire in a recent Canes All Access video, titled “The Offseason”. Initially issued a green jersey for the U-Tough workouts, Chickillo showed his frustration and disappointment, but from there, he took care of business.

No. 71 worked his way up to a coveted black jersey and as the clip wound down, was seen encouraging and coaching up teammates as they worked to up their spring ball status.

Chickillo says that he still leans on last year’s leader – Spence – especially in regards to the challenges that come with leading a young front seven. Spence’s advice? Lead by example.

“Sean just tells me to stay focused, don’t bite off more than I can chew,” Chickillo said. “He told me that as a sophomore he felt the same thing, to try and step up and be a leader. He told me his sophomore year wasn’t anything great and that I need to stay focused and just work hard, have a better year than last year.

“He knows I get real hard on myself when I make mistakes. He’s a guy who kept me focused when I needed it last year. Now, I have to do it myself and push other guys the way the Sean did. I have to become one of those leaders.”

Chickillo is getting it done on the practice field, as well as the weight room. He’s gained upwards of twenty pounds this offseason and would like to add about ten more by next year, putting him around 270 for his junior season.

Al Golden and the Canes are finally bringing in those coveted “Miami-style” kids and in this case, who better than a young leader that’s had orange and green blood pumping through those veins since his time in the womb? Keep it up, Chick. – C.B.

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