Senior Gameday Program Feature - Braylon Webb
9/11/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Braylon Webb
By Tim Bavester, Mizzou Strategic Communications
"Time has been flying here at Mizzou and this being my last year has not settled in with me just yet."
As redshirt senior Braylon Webb heads into his final year with Mizzou Football with high expectations, it's important to take a look at everything Webb has accomplished and contributed to this program during his time with Mizzou.
Coming from Gilmer, Texas, Mizzou was the only destination Webb had in mind when making his college decision.
"The family atmosphere was the ultimate reason in my decision," Webb said. "I could sense the brotherly love and the hard work everyone would put in for one common goal, to win."
After 122 tackles in his senior year of high school, Webb came to Mizzou and redshirted his freshman year. Webb immediately made an impact with the team in 2011, as he started four games and made 11 appearances with 36 tackles, earning 2011 Team Freshman of the Year and All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. In the 2012 season, Webb put together a 64-tackle season, ranking sixth-best on the team.
After gaining confidence and recognition, nothing held Webb back from emerging as a steady playmaker for the Tigers in 2013. He was Mizzou's second-leading tackler with 89 stops and proved to be one of the top defensive backs in the SEC. Webb made big contributions in just about every game for the Tigers, but one impact play stuck with Webb that he says he will never forget.
"It was one of the best feelings I have ever had in my life," said Webb when asked about his leaping interception of an Oklahoma State pass in the Cotton Bowl. "If I had to pick one of my favorite memories so far, it would have to be winning the Cotton Bowl."
Other favorite memories for Webb were the thrilling, 36-27 victory over No. 1-ranked Oklahoma in 2010 and the 28-21 victory against Texas A&M in 2013 at home to seal the deal for the SEC East Champions.
Webb has developed a very strong veteran presence with everything he has experienced with the Tigers over the last few seasons. Leadership is something that Webb takes a lot of pride in, and when asked about what kind of strategies that he uses with the younger guys, Webb kept to the basics.
"Just being more vocal is the most important thing, making sure we are all on the same page. I have confidence in these guys, they all had pretty good years last season and they all know what their role is."
Webb gave his coaches a lot of credit for the leadership skills that he has gained over the last four years.
"They always tell us to work hard, be dedicated and have a passion for the game. It makes a difference with our mental toughness."
With more than 30 career starts, Webb has the most starts among any Tiger on either side of the ball for the 2014 season.
He brings intensity, veteran experience, and playmaking ability, along with many other qualities to a youthful defense. With these traits, Webb hopes to put it all to good use after his time at Mizzou and make a push for the NFL. Earning his degree in Parks, Recreation & Tourism; Webb says he will pursue a career in sports agency when his football-playing career comes to an end.
As the 2014 season continues, Webb hopes to help Mizzou continue down the path toward the ultimate goal that he felt in the locker room when he joined the Mizzou Football Family, "to win".
