Playing in a Brady program that emphasizes and celebrates leadership in all its forms, JD Ibarra is proof that you don’t need to be a senior to lead.

A sophomore in his first year as a starter for the Bulldogs, this gifted running back/strong safety is rapidly emerging as an impact player on the field and a tone-setter off it for coach Shay Easterwood’s squad.

Ibarra, who was a reserve as a freshman for last year’s playoff team, tried to soak up all he could from that experience. And now, with heavy graduation losses opening up opportunities for new players to lead, he’s determined to be one of the guys who keeps the Brady program moving forward.