[Tuck4Bama]

Rarely does a football team stand as a shining example of democracy at work, but players do have a voice in the decision-making process at Vanderbilt.

About three years ago, Coach Bobby Johnson instituted a leadership council. It is a group of nine upperclass players, evenly distributed over the Commodores' offensive and defensive units and selected by the team that serve as a liaison body between the coaching staff and the team as a whole.

"We've got three captains, and that's our main source of leadership," redshirt junior tight end Brad Allen said. "But they can only do so much. Then we've got the leadership council, ... which disperses the leadership more."

The council isn't one in name only. Previously, the group came up with the game-day tradition of carrying an authentic anchor as a symbol of team unity, as well as the 'KD1' jersey patch worn by a player — last season, it was linebacker Jonathan Goff — in memory of former Vanderbilt running back Kwane Doster.

Vandy builds on leadership in players' council - Nashville, Tennessee - Wednesday, 08/22/07 - Tennessean.com