Ash Announces Team Captains
Aug 24 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers football head coach Chris Ash announced today that fifth-year seniors Darius Hamilton, Chris Muller, Derrick Nelson and Julian Pinnix-Odrick will serve as 2016 team captains for the Scarlet Knights. Hamilton earns the honor for the third-straight year, making him the first three-time captain in the history of Rutgers football dating back to 1869.
Hamilton first merited captain status as a junior in 2014 and was named honorable mention All-Big Ten after producing a team-high 11.5 tackles-for-loss with 45 stops, six sacks and one forced fumble. An injury forced the defensive lineman to miss 11 games in 2015, but he still leads all active players on the roster with 39 career games played, 24.5 tackles-for-loss and 10.5 sacks. Hamilton, who was included on the preseason Outland Trophy watch list, has once again taken up a key leadership role on and off the field in 2016.
Muller is coming off an honorable mention All-Big Ten season on the offensive line. Since taking over at right guard in the 2013 season opener, he has played in all 38 games with a team-best 37 consecutive starts. Muller was a recipient of the "R" Man Courage Award last season, which is given for demonstrating courage, belief, strength and inspiration to all. He also has experience at center.
Nelson joins Muller as a captain on the offensive line, entering his second season as the starting center. He is a national nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team, which recognizes student-athletes across college football who have made a difference in the community. From just outside Washington, D.C., Nelson has volunteered numerous hours at events at home and in the local area.
Pinnix-Odrick is a three-time conference all-academic team member and versatile member of the defensive line. He started in 12 games last season, totaling 33 tackles, three for loss, six hurries, three pass break-ups and two forced fumbles. Part of the Scarlet Knights' contingent at Big Ten Media Days in July, Pinnix-Odrick has emerged as a leader in different ways for the program.
Rutgers will open its season Sept. 3 at No. 14/18 Washington. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. ET on Pac-12 Network.
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