Montana State Bobcats name 6 captains for 2024 season

The captains, determined by votes from their teammates, are defensive lineman Brody Grebe, quarterback Tommy Mellott, safety Rylan Ortt, center Justus Perkins, linebacker Danny Uluilakepa, and offensive lineman Marcus Wehr.

“Really feel good about this group’s ability to lead this team,” MSU head coach Brent Vigen said Wednesday. “The example they’ve set throughout their careers speaks for itself, speaks volumes.”

Ortt, Perkins, and Wehr are first-time captains, while Grebe and Uluilakepa received the distinctions for the second straight season. Mellott was a captain in 2022 and 2023 as well, making him one of three players in MSU history to be a three-time captain, according to MSU sports information.

Mellott has been MSU’s starting QB since the 2021 FCS playoffs. The Butte native has earned two All-Big Sky Conference second-team selections, received a sophomore All-America honor, and has appeared on multiple preseason All-America teams.

Troy Andersen (2019-21) and Fred Ervin (1901-03) were the other two Bobcats to be named captains three times.

“This morning when I saw my name back up there for the captain’s list, it was for sure surreal to think of the three years that I’ve had the opportunity to represent this school, represent this team, represent the rest of my teammates,” Mellott said. “I wouldn’t say that it’s probably hit me to think of how exclusive that list might be, but it’s certainly a privilege, and I look forward to doing everything I can to help this team.”

Grebe earned All-America honors in each of the last two seasons, in which he recorded 80 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 12 1/2 sacks combined. The defensive end from Melstone will don MSU’s No. 41 legacy number this fall.

“There are a lot of guys on this team that are good leaders, so to be in that (captain) group is a pretty big honor, and to be it for a second time is a huge honor,” Grebe said.

Uluilakepa has been a starter in each of his last two seasons. The Puyallup, Washington, native has tallied 169 tackles in his three years with the Bobcats and earned a 2024 preseason All-Big Sky selection.

“(Being a multi-year captain) does speak to Tommy, Brody, and Danny all really coming onto the scene early in their careers and showing that they had that ability beyond their physical ability,” Vigen said. “It’s unusual in my experience to have this many returners, but it’s a great place for this particular group to be.”