WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- The Monmouth University football team named five seniors as their captains for the 2013 season, head coach Kevin Callahan announced Tuesday.
Dave Damirgian (Churchville, Pa./Council Rock), Patrick O'Hara (Souderton, Pa./Lansdale Catholic), and Tevrin Brandon (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic/UConn) come from the defensive side of the ball, while Michael McLafferty (Morgan, N.J./War Memorial) and Elijah Phillips (Willingboro, N.J./Holy Cross) will lead the offensive group.
“The team selected five outstanding people to lead Monmouth Football in 2013,” said Callahan. Their level of commitment, dedication, and work ethic will serve them well in this role. Their leadership, both on and off the field, will be a key ingredient in our success this season.”
Damirgian, a senior linebacker has appeared in 17 games as a Hawk. He registered 15 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss in 2011 before enjoying a strong season in 2012. The linebacker notched 36 tackles last season, including three tackles for loss and 21 solo stops.
O'Hara, a sophomore defensive lineman, has appeared in 21 games the last two seasons, totaling 32 tackles in that time. In 2012, he finished second on the team in both tackles for loss with 6.5 and sacks with 3.5. The defensive end enjoyed his first career multiple sack game against Bryant in 2012.
Brandon transferred to Monmouth from the University of Connecticut last year and had to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. The cornerback appeared in all 11 games for UConn in 2011, registering six tackles.
Making the switch from defense to offense, Phillips will appear as a wide receiver for MU in 2013 after playing defensive back the last two seasons. Phillips, who has battled injuries throughout his career, appeared in 10 games across the past two seasons making 36 stops. He had 3.5 tackles for loss and intercepted two passes during his time on defense. The Willingboro, N.J. native handled 12 punt returns for 96 yards during the last two years.
McLafferty, a fifth year senior, has appeared in 31 games throughout the last three seasons, catching 44 balls. In 2012, the tight end ranked fifth on the squad with 23 receptions and fourth with 228 yards. He enjoyed a career high 68 yard day in a win at Duquesne and caught a pass in every game on the season.
Monmouth will play a 12 game independent schedule this season before joining the Big South Conference in 2014. The 2013 season opens at Montana State on August 29.
