Utah Utes football: Season-opener in sight, U. names team captains

And the election results are in ...

The Utah Utes have chosen running back Matt Asiata, left tackle Zane Beadles, defensive end Koa Misi and linebacker Stevenson Sylvester as their team captains.

"It's a big compliment to each of those guys, the respect they have from their teammates. I thought they were excellent selections," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "Those guys now have that responsibility on their shoulders to step up even more."

It's a task Sylvester knows well. The senior is a rare two-time captain.

"It's truly an honor. It means I'm meshing well with my teammates and my teammates respect me," he said. "I take that into serious consideration.

"So I've got to present myself well and try to lead this team to the type of season that they want."

The encore to the 13-0 Sugar Bowl championship campaign begins Sept. 3 at home against Utah State.

"We know our potential," Sylvester said. "All we've got to do is go out there and execute every day like we know we have to."

Being chosen by his teammates to help lead the way again, he added, means a lot.

"I'm happy. I'm excited," said Sylvester, who noted there are several leaders on the team — many more than the four elected captains. "I was real excited when they chose me."

Beadles called it an honor.

"It's been a goal of mine since I got here," he said. "I've had some great captains in the past, and hopefully I can just carry on the tradition."

Becoming a captain, Beadles noted, is extremely meaningful because it comes from your peers.

"It just shows the work that I've put in has paid off and people have noticed and respect that," he said.

Asiata also appreciates the vote of confidence from his teammates. He said being a captain is a big step that almost left him speechless.

"It's a big thing at Utah, being a captain," Asiata said. "I love being a captain."

And it's time, he continued, to take things to the next level as a leader.

"I've been doing it, but I've got to do more," explained Asiata, who vows to continue being an example to his teammates. "Every time I step on the field I have to show them 100 percent. Every time. That's what I need to do."