Arizona State head football coach Todd Graham named his captains for the 2012 season yesterday, and while there were a couple surprises, one theme was constant with the selections: leadership. Each captain has appeared in at least 30 games over his career and each will be key pieces for the Sun Devils in 2012.
All four of the 2012 ASU football captains are seniors. Offensively, Graham named running back Cameron Marshall and offensive lineman Andrew Sampson captains. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Brandon Magee and safety Keelan Johnson received the honors.
Click the jump for more details on all four of the Sun Devil captains.
Brandon Magee
Brandon Magee is the heart and soul of the 2012 Sun Devils. Perhaps no player is more excited to run out of Tillman Tunnel than Magee, who missed all of 2011 with an Achilles injury. Magee was second on the team with 73 tackles in 2010.
Magee was a no-brainer choice for captain as he is clearly the leader on defense and will be the anchor of the linebacking corps.
Keelan Johnson
Johnson appeared in all 13 games a season ago, finishing 2011 with 48 total tackles and and two interceptions. Johnson has played in 37 career games for the Sun Devils and has been a staple in the secondary since 2009.
Johnson leads an experienced secondary in 2012, with players like Deveron Carr, Osahon Irabor and Alden Darby returning from 2011. Johnson figures to have a standout 2012 campaign in Graham's new 3-3-5 defense.
Andrew Sampson
Sampson is the most experienced lineman on the ASU roster in 2012, appearing in 37 games with 22 starts in his career in Tempe. Sampson will start at right guard in his final season as a Sun Devil.
Sampson will anchor an offensive line that must replace Garth Gerhart, Adam Tello and Mike Marcisz. With inexperience at quarterback, the offensive line will prove vital this season.
Cameron Marshall
Marshall is perhaps the most important player on the Sun Devils' roster. The senior from San Jose, California, ran for over 1,000 yards in 2011 and Graham has said Marshall could see the ball 30 times a game this season.
Marshall has started 22 games and compiled 2,131 rushing yards in his Sun Devil career. Even with a crowded backfield, Marshall is one of the most important players on offense for ASU. His work ethic and high character make him and easy choice for captain.
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