He led the 2008 Blue Devils in tackles, interceptions and heart. Nothing stopped three-year starter Mike Tauiliili from making that game-changing tackle, that last play of desperation.
No one can deny that replacing the team leader in tackles-now trying to make the roster with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts-is a difficult task. But head coach David Cutcliffe thinks he already has a man for the job: senior captain Vincent Rey.
"[Rey] has big shoes to fill taking the leadership role that Mike Tauiliili had on the field," Cutcliffe said. "But he is capable of doing that."
Rey finished second on the team in tackles last year from the linebacker position, recording 109-31 tackles short of his former teammate. Although he didn't receive the same recognition that Tauiliili did last year, Rey's coaches and teammates know they have a leader on the field in him.
Linebacker coach Jim Collins echoed Cutcliffe's endorsement of Rey's leadership potential. Collins said Rey served as a strong leader last year, and is expected to lead the linebacking corps in making tackles and breaking up passes.
And Rey not only garners the respect of the coaching staff, but the veteran players and newcomers as well.
Senior defensive end Ayanga Okpokowuruk has high hopes for the linebacking corps as well as the defense as a whole.
"We set the bar high," Okpokowuruk said. "We're looking to improve off of last year. We have Rey anchoring the linebacking corps and helping the young guys out. They're doing a really good job."
Accompanying Rey will be an experienced junior, Damian Thornton, and then a rotation of new talent behind them. Cutcliffe said he has no problem playing freshmen and noted a few standouts after his team's Aug. 22 scrimmage.
Cutcliffe mentioned freshmen Auggie Campbell, Austin Gamble, Tyree Glover, Zach Greena and Sydney Sarmiento as potential contributors.
With all the young players on the depth chart, no matter how talented they are, they still need the leadership and positive example that Rey provides.
But according to Cutcliffe, Rey is more than just a leader of the linebackers, and more than just a leader of the team.
"There's a difference between just being a leader and being the heart of a football team," Cutcliffe said. "Vinny Rey is the heart of our entire football team the way he competes."
Rey isn't expected to make people forget about the standout career Tauiliili had. But Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils are confident Rey will set the right tone for the upcoming season.
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