BOZEMAN — Over the past three seasons at Montana State, linebacker Danny Uluilakepa has waited for his moment.
He looked up to previous leaders in his position group, like Troy Andersen (2021), Callahan O’Reilly (2022), and Nolan Askelson (2023). With those three now gone, the torch has been passed to Uluilakepa.
“I’ve had a lot of good mentors in the past,” he said Friday, “and I’m ready to step up and be one of those guys.”
Montana State linebacker Danny Uluilakepa talks to reporters about being named a team captain, the Bobcats’ season-opening game against New Mexico, and more on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at the Bobcat Athletic Complex in Bozeman.
MSU named its six captains for the 2024 season last week: quarterback Tommy Mellott, offensive lineman Marcus Wehr, offensive lineman Justus Perkins, defensive end Brody Grebe, safety Rylan Ortt, and Uluilakepa. Mellott (three times), Grebe (twice), and Uluilakepa (twice) are multi-time captains.
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Uluilakepa — who described himself as the “rah rah guy” that hypes up his teammates — has started each of the past two seasons. He ranked fourth on the team in total tackles last year with 59, along with 5 1/2 tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble.
The Puyallup, Washington, native said he’s loved the Bozeman community during his time in Montana and has cherished the opportunity to play for and lead the Bobcats.
“I feel like you don’t see that around, just guys in their junior year being named captain,” Uluilakepa said. “So it was an honor last year. It was an honor this year. I just appreciate the coaches having faith in me and the guys having faith in me.”
