Owen Pappoe gives take on relationship with Bryan Harsin
If it wasn’t evident already, Bryan Harsin thinks highly of Auburn linebacker Owen Pappoe.
For the second consecutive season, the linebacker was named a captain by Harsin. Ahead of what they hope to be a successful year, Pappoe spoke about his relationship with his coach.
“I would say he trusts me,” laughed Pappoe. “I think right out of the gate there was a level of respect that we had for each other, and him just seeing me show up every day and how I work.
“I believe he respects me for that, and I think our relationship is pretty good.”
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Evidently, there’s a mutual respect between Pappoe and Harsin. Continuing, the linebacker revealed captains he’s been close with in the past — specifically former Auburn linebacker K.J. Britt — had a profound effect on his career. Now, he’s emulating their traits as he readies for his time.
“Just showing up and being consistent every day. That’s something that all those dudes did. Especially KJ, man,” stated Pappoe. “I remember just me being the young guy, going out there and messing up sometimes. He was always out there, getting on my head and stuff. Making sure I do things right. Just making sure you do all the little things right. Like going in, studying extra ball. Getting in extra work after practice. Whether it’s something little like working on your footwork in the box or whatever. Getting extra work in after the workout.
“Just showing up, being consistent every day and pushing everybody around you.”
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Moreover, Owen Pappoe joined the Tigers in 2019 as a five-star recruit and the No. 14 overall player in the class according to On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average. He started every game as a true freshman and would continue to grow as a leader over the next two seasons. Now a senior, he understands the responsibility he has to help the next group of players grow.
“Just knowing that people are gonna look to me for answers, especially the young guys that’s just getting here out of high school,” Pappoe added. “It’s my responsibility to come in and set the example every day. Show them how to be a successful college football players. Just doing the right thing every day. I can’t show up and have a bad day because if they see me slacking, they’re gonna think it’s OK to slack.”
Auburn is set to kick off the 2022 season Sept. 3 against Mercer. It’s evident they have a good one in Owen Pappoe, and he’s going to do all he can to help the Tigers begin the season with a victory.