Munoz born to lead

Now more than ever, Tennessee's football team needs its leaders to step up.

Offensive tackle Michael Munoz is doing just that as Saturday's 3:30 p.m. kickoff with Alabama is approaching.

Munoz was the top vote-getter in the "Leader'' category when the News-Sentinel conducted a preseason survey with UT lettermen.

It's no coincidence that Munoz, along with second-place vote-getter Kevin Burnett, became the first two junior captains of the Phillip Fulmer era last season.

In a preseason poll conducted by the News Sentinel two years ago, Munoz was the top vote-getter when the 2002 Vols were asked which teammate was most likely to one day end up in the NFL Hall of Fame.

"Michael's just one of those natural born leaders,'' UT tailback Gerald Riggs said. "You can't help but follow him.

"It's the way he is as a person. He's responsible with everything. From the time you meet him, you know he's a leader.''

That was the case for Vols' junior guard Cody Douglas.

"When I first got here the first thing I noticed was Michael's willingness to help out,'' Douglas said. "He made sure I got in my playbook early. He's a great example on and off the field.''

Munoz, son of NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz, admits it's not always easy.

"There are times on the practice field when you're hurting, sore and tired,'' Munoz said. "But you have to push through those times and increase your energy to pick up the rest of the team.''

Munoz's name alone has placed him under the scrutiny of teammates and opponents alike for some time.

"Probably the first time I noticed it was when I made the varsity (in high school),'' said Munoz, a Parade All-American at Cincinnati's Moeller High School. "There were all these people with all these expectations.

"I just tried to put it behind me because I play football because I enjoy it. But it does get you to a point where it motivates you.''

Munoz said watching his father play the role of a captain for the Cincinnati Bengals was enlightening. Anthony Munoz has shared words of wisdom with his son on many occasions.

"The biggest thing he told me was to do the right things and lead by example,'' Michael Munoz said. "He emphasized that there's more to it than just yelling and saying the right things. You have to do the right things.''

In addition to protecting the quarterback's blindside - he has given up just one sack in his career, that, in his freshman year - Munoz is the designated peacemaker on the practice field.

The most public incident occurred during the Orange and White game, when Munoz stepped between linebacker Kevin Simon and offensive guard Rob Smith when they came to blows after the whistle.

It was one of many times the 300-pound plus Munoz has used his size for the good of the team.

"I like the guys' intensity,'' Munoz said, "but when it's against your own team, it's not productive.''

And when was the last time Munoz has had a practice field tantrum or locker room tirade?

Fellow captain Jason Allen smiled when posed the question.

"Even when guys would get into those practice fights, Michael would just be smiling,'' Allen said. "I've never seen Michael get mad.''

Munoz admits he can't remember the last time he was upset on the football field.

"I don't get mad, but I may get frustrated,'' he said. "Life's too short to let things upset you."