Quick update: Joe Bolden discusses leadership role on defense

Earlier in the week, defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin spoke about leaders on his team. Naturally, a linebacker was named, a "quarterback of the defense" if you will. The vocal leader on that side of the ball in years past was typically linebacker Jake Ryan.

Now with Ryan gone, someone will have to step up and take over that vocal leadership role.

One of the players that Durkin named was senior linebacker Joe Bolden, who is expected to see increased playing time as well as an increased role as a leader on this team.

Is Bolden ready to become a leader? He spoke with reporters after the game and gave us the following:

"I think so," Bolden said. "Just learning the defense and being more comfortable. Obviously it's not the same defense as last year. I was in coach (Mattison's) defense for three-and-a-half years, this being my fourth spring ball, just becoming comfortable with it and being able to know my job and know others jobs, I think, allows you to be able to communicate a little bit more."

Bolden led all players with 12 tackles during the spring game.