DES MOINES, IOWA -- Senior defensive tackle Andrew Asbell (Machesney Park, Ill.), senior linebacker Ben Morrison (Long Grove, Ill.), senior fullback Steve Platek  (Arlington Heights, Ill.) and senior defensive end Dain Taylor (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) have been selected as captains for the Drake football team.

The group helped lead the Bulldogs to an 8-3 record last year, including a 6-2 second-place finish in the Pioneer Football League.

"Our squad did a good job in electing team captains," said Drake head coach Chris Creighton. "This group has poured five years of their lives into Drake football and I know that they will do all they can to lead our program to reach its full potential this fall."

Platek, a two-time first-team All-Pioneer Football League selection, was named a captain for the second straight year.

He was named the most valuable player for the Bulldogs last fall after leading Drake with a team-high nine touchdowns. He caught a team-best 49 passes for 553 yards, including three touchdowns. He also rushed 30 times for 147 yards, including a team-high six touchdowns.

Taylor also earned first-team all-league honors last year after collecting  48 tackles, including 29 solos. He led Drake with 19.5 tackles for losses totaling 90 yards, while recording a team-high 10.5 quarterback sacks for 73 yards in losses.

Morrison earned honorable mention All-PFL honors last year. He had 75 tackles, including 14.5 tackles totaling 57 yards in losses, while recording 4.5 quarterback sacks and forcing four fumbles.

Asbell, a three-year letterwinner, earned second-team all-league honors in 2007 and was an honorable mention choice in 2008.

The Bulldogs will open their 117th season of intercollegiate football playing host to Lehigh Sept. 4. Drake will play five home games, including a Nov. 13 test against defending Pioneer Football League champion Butler.

Home season football tickets are on sale at the Drake Ticket Office as well as online at www.godrakebulldogs.com.