Youth Football Coach Says Lawrence, Fields Both Showed Leadership Potential Early

Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields are facing off on Friday in the first round of the College Football Playoff. It is now the second consecutive year that has happened, with Lawrence and Clemson coming out on top in the last meeting. Both are considered two of the top quarterbacks in the country, and Lawrence is even a Heisman finalist this season.

What if I told you that they both had the same youth football coach, though? What are the chances?

Ron Veal is that coach, and he's got some interesting insight into the two Playoff quarterbacks. During an interview with Pete Iacobelli of the Olean Times Herald, Veal talked about what made Lawrence and Fields the signal callers we see today.

“Both were mostly quiet, taking everything in” Veal said, via the Olean Times Herald. “Until it was time to speak up. They were leaders when their teams needed them.”

We saw that willingness to speak up from both players during the offseason. Lawrence and Fields were two of the biggest names fighting for the college football season to happen.

They won that fight and now get to compete for a national title appearance as a result. It's very cool to see how that worked out.

The battle might not end in the Sugar Bowl on Friday, however. Lawrence and Fields are both considered two of the top quarterback prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft. If both declare, this battle should continue at the next level.

We should all be thankful for their efforts to make this college football season happen.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.