BOWIE, Md. - The Bowie State University football team has selected four captains for the upcoming 2016 season, head coach Damon Wilson announced Monday, August 15th. Serving as captains and the team's leaders on and off the field will be
Justin Nestor (Dayton, Md.), Heleaince Gates (Philadelphia, Pa.), Kevaugn Townsend (Fort Washington, Md.) and Diontae Jordan (Bladensburg, Md.).

Nestor, a senior offensive lineman, is a member of the 2016 All-CIAA Preseason Team and played a huge role upfront for the Bulldogs last season. His other collegiate accoldaes include CIAA All-Rookie Team (2013), All-CIAA First Team (2015), BOXTOROW All-American (2015) and BSU Male Student-Athlete of the Year (2015-2016).

Gates is senior defensive end that transferred to Bowie State from Morgan State prior to the 2015 season. He was a All-CIAA Honorable Mention last season and tallied 46 total tackles (35 solo and 11 assisted), recorded 13.0 tackles for a loss, 5.0 sacks, 1 pass breakup, two quarterback hurries, forced six fumbles (recovering two) and blocked one kick. He is also one of eight Bulldogs named to the 2016 All-CIAA Preseason Team.

Townsend, a graduate student linebacker, is a 2016 All-CIAA Preseason selection and has garnered All-CIAA First Team (2015) and CIAA All-Rookie Team (2013) honors over his career. He ranked second on the team in total tackles over the 2015 campaign, playing in eight games and recorded 79 total tackles (42 solo and 37 assisted), 5.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles.

Jordan, a redshirt junior two-year starter on the Bowie State offensive line was named to the All-CIAA Second team in 2015.

Bowie State will open up the 2016 season hosting Seton Hill on September 3rd at 1:00 pm. Click HERE for the entire 2016 schedule.