Landry Jones' leadership skills were never a question

"I didn't see a difference from when Sam controlled it and Landry controlled it," said center Ben Habern. "That was probably the most impressive thing and probably the thing coaches were worried about. ... This year he's even more confident and is more commanding."

One example of Jones' leadership is he made offensive teammates wristbands with Proverbs 27:17 on them. The Bible scripture reads: "As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another."

"Last year he got thrown into the fire and did well," said defensive end Jeremy Beal. "Him gaining our respect as leader isn't just because of last year. He gained our respect because of what he's done on and off the field."

Jones was more vocal during the offseason. He also leads by example.

"He took that over in the winter and spring," said coach Bob Stoops. "The way he's working with everybody offensively, he's been a very strong leader that way. He's a great worker. It's hard to be a leader when you're not the best worker. And he's one of our hardest workers."