Gopher football names team captains

Senior strong safety Justin Fraley, senior offensive tackle Rian Melander, senior defensive end Darrell Reid and junior center Greg Eslinger have been named captains for the Gopher football team for the 2004 season. The four players were elected as captains by their teammates.

Justin Fraley, a three-time letterwinner, started 12 games last season for the Gophers, recording 45 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, three sacks and two interceptions.

Rian Melander was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2003, starting all 12 games in which he played and earning his second letter.

Darrell Reid earned his third letter and received honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition by starting 12 games and leading the team with 12 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks.

Greg Eslinger becomes the first junior captain on the team since quarterback Asad Abdul-Khaliq earned that honor in 2002. He is a 2004 Lombardi Award and Rimington Award candidate.