ALBANY - When University at Albany coach Will Brown selected two sophomores -- Blake Metcalf (left, 21) and Logan Aronhalt -- as captains prior to the 2010-11 season, it came with some intrigue.

Now, the two juniors have a season of leading under their belts and feel more comfortable leading the way for the Great Danes.

"As a junior, you feel so much more comfortable saying something to the younger guys and saying something to guys who are the same age as me," said Metcalf, at the team media day, on Wednesday. "That one year made a big difference in my leadership."

Metcalf says he feels more comfortable leading and knows his role is to make sure the team has its focus up, is competing hard and continues to practice and play with high energy.

"This year, I feel a lot more comfortable calling a guy out from missing a play or doing something wrong," he said. "Also, it adds more pressure on me to not make any mistakes."

Metcalf credits assistant coach Brent Wilson with helping him grow as a leader.

"Coach Wilson has really been a great help to me," Metcalf said. "He's really trying to show me steps to take to become a better leader."

Metcalf knows that it's during the preseason and during practice, where leaders are most critical.

"Practice is where the leadership steps in and where I really feel that I need to be vocal," he said.

The Great Danes are in a great position to have a solid season, but they need players to lead them, especially when there are no seniors on the roster.

"You have to be able to put your foot down," Metcalf said. "Especially, now, as a junior."