ELON, N.C. – The Elon University football team and head coach Tony Trisciani announced its team captains for the 2021 spring football campaign on Tuesday, Dec 1. The four members include senior quarterback Davis Cheek, senior defensive lineman Tristen Cox, junior linebacker Devonte Chandler and graduate student tight end Donovan Williams.
 
"Davis, Tristen, Donovan and Devonte are great representatives of Elon Football and AED (Attitude, Effort and Discipline)," said Trisciani. "They are great competitors on the field, exhibit high character in their daily life and are committed to academic success. I am proud of them and know that their leadership will be critical as we face the many challenges that our spring season will present on and off the field."
 
A candidate for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy, recognizing the nation's top football senior scholar-athlete, Cheek has been a three-year starter behind center for the maroon and gold. The 2017 CAA Football Offensive Rookie of the Year, Cheek threw for 2,175 yards with 15 touchdowns in 2019 while also tossing a career-high five touchdowns in Elon's road win at Richmond.
 
A member of Phil Steele's 2020 Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association Team, Cox has also been a three-year starter for the Phoenix anchoring the defensive line at nose tackle. The Piqua, Ohio, native has started all 34 games he has appeared in during his career, totaling 90 career tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss. During the 2019 season, Cox closed the year with 25 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss with a pass breakup.
 
Chandler played in seven games last season as a sophomore and proved to be one of Elon's most effective linebackers with 38 tackles and 9.0 tackles for loss with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The Chester, Va., native closed out 2019 with tackles for loss in each of Elon's final four games while also tallying a season-high 11 stops overall versus William & Mary.
 
Williams will begin his first season with the Phoenix this spring after arriving as a graduate transfer from UConn. The Dumfries, Va., native appeared in 31 games for the Huskies, starting his career as a quarterback before making the switch eventually to tight end just before the 2018 season where he appeared in all 12 games. He also served as a team captain for the Huskies during the 2019 season.
 
"Our team captains have earned the respect of their teammates and are leaders on and off the field," said Trisciani. "Being a team captain is an honor and privilege that comes with great responsibility. These guys have winning habits and are followable on and off the field. Captains are stabilizing forces, players who give their all to the team and aren't afraid to take a tough stance when it comes to maintaining the standards and expectations of our football program."