The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
11.23.2011 | Football
Nov. 23, 2011
Jackie LaPenta, Texas Media Relations
Texas Longhorns senior linebacker Emmanuel Acho has emerged as the face of the nation's eighth-ranked defense and a consummate leader for the Longhorns. He has gained the respect of his teammates and the coaching staff as they continue to entrust to him the responsibility of lifting the team and guiding them into a successful post season.
Acho's upbringing and family life have been strong attributes to the development of his leadership characteristics which include his work ethic, his extensive knowledge of a game he loves and his boundless energy.
"He has been raised right," head coach Mack Brown said. "That family has done an amazing job of teaching people how to give. He knows how hard you have to work, he knows the values you have to have, and he knows the way you have to fight with your heart."
In addition to his commitments with football and his academics at UT where he maintains a 3.4 GPA in sports management, Acho has made it a point to devote his spare time to becoming involved with the community.
"Every time I look up he is doing something different," Brown said. "With as hard as he works here, he goes to Nigeria for two weeks every summer with doctors and nurses. On a local basis, he is always at the hospital or reading to kids in East Austin."
"I am amazed at his attitude, but even more amazed at his energy," said an awestruck Brown.
Acho is also involved with speaking to different Fellowship of Christian Athletes groups and is a member of Longhorn Leaders, an outreach program that stresses the importance of academics to middle school students.
"When you walk the walk, you can talk the talk." Brown said. "He does both."
Acho leads the NCAA's eighth-best rushing defense (94.9 ypg) in tackles (100) and tackles for loss (17). He is second on the team in quarterback pressures (12) and third in sacks (3). His perseverance and toughness have commanded the attention of his teammates as they take note of his example.
"One thing that stands out for me is that he's been a consistent performer over the last four years," senior kicker Justin Tucker said. "He racks up stats and not just those pretty stats. He's in there making tackles and getting his nose involved on the plays."
While his grittiness on the field has bolstered him into a top role on the defense, the true mark of a leader is attitude. Leaders are not able to have bad days and must always show a strong front in regards to their demeanor and work ethic. Acho has undoubtedly embodied this persona by becoming a reliable source of inspiration and strength to his fellow Longhorns.
"He brings the same approach, the same attitude and the same edge everyday," senior safety Blake Gideon explained. "No matter what happened the day or the week before, he is going to put that behind him and will lead everyday to show the young guys how it is done."
"He's very vocal," senior center David Snow added. "When things are going wrong, he picks the whole defense up and gets them to make big plays. That is what has made him such an intricate part of the team."
On a squad boasting 18 playing as true freshmen with 25 freshmen total getting significant playing time, it is essential that the seniors are leaving positive impressions on the underclassmen.
"As a coach, you always love it when your best players are your best people," defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. "He is a constant professional with the way he carries himself on and off the field. He's the one that you want your younger guys to want to be like."
Acho's ability to reach his teammates is a testament within itself, but the impact he has on the younger players defines the term, "lead by example."
"Every day he comes to work and he works well," sophomore OG Mason Walters said. "On days where some of the younger guys, myself included, are coming into practice not feeling well, or not wanting to lift that day, Emmanuel's the guy sitting there reminding us of the season and what we're working for."
Acho's persevering strength is a relatable subject among the players, but his preparation and analytical ability are unique facets that he is able to provide to the underclassmen.
"The way that I see how he leads most is on Friday's during meetings," sophomore CB Carrington Byndom said. "We have a panel where each player talks about a position for the upcoming game and Emmanuel's assignment is running backs. Each week, he is calling out formations and telling us what to look for on the run and on the pass. Seeing his knowledge of the game at such a high level inspires you to get in the film room."
Acho will succeed in life far beyond his accomplishments on the field. His skill sets have the potential to translate into all aspects of his life making him a great athlete, person and role model. His time at Texas has been a blessing to all of those given the opportunity to be in his presence.
"I will say that Emmanuel has gotten a lot out of Texas," Brown said. "But he has given more, and it has really been beneficial to the program."
