Texas' Malik Jefferson growing comfortable as leader

Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson made an impact on the field as a freshman, and intends to be more vocal this coming season.AUSTIN, Texas -- Before spring practice began, Texas coach Charlie Strong made sure to share some advice with his most prized pupil. Malik Jefferson, Texas’ dreadlocked wunderkind and the "unofficial mayor of Austin," as his coaches have joked, needed a little wisdom about the burden of expectations.

"So much is said about him. So much is written about him. It’s almost like it’s been placed on him," Strong said. "I said, 'Don’t feel like it’s all on your shoulders. You have enough guys around you. You just lead by example, lead by the way you work, and everybody else…