(UHND.com) — Brady Quinn, Tommy Zbikowski, and Travis Thomas were named the captains for the 2006 season on Wednesday by Charlie Weis. All three were voted captains by a vote of the players.
Quinn was voted as the offensive captain for the second year a row, making him the first two time captain since Grant Irons in 2000-2001. It was no surprise when Quinn was named offensive captain as the senior quarterback has been the unquestioned leader of this team from the day Weis took over. By the end of the season, Quinn will own just about every Notre Dame passing record and could add a Heisman Trophy to his resume.
Zbikowski takes over for the graduated Brandon Hoyte as the defensive captain. A third team AP All American last year, Zbikowski has been a leader on and off the field for the defense since becoming a starter as a sophomore in 2004. He also exemplifies the type of player Weis wants at Notre Dame — a tough, “nasty” player who leaves it all on the field. While he still has plenty of work to do as a safety, he was the obvious choice here.
Last season Notre Dame had rotating captains for special teams that were picked each week so the choice of Thomas as the special teams captain is a change in policy for Weis. Thomas enjoyed a fine junior season and established himself as a viable option at running back, especially in the redzone. He also made 132 appearances on special teams while working on every unit.
To pick the teams Weis had the offensive players vote for the offensive captain and the defensive players vote for the defensive captain. For special teams, the entire team voted with the kickers and snappers and select 2005 special teams standouts to choose from.
A season ago Notre Dame also had a leadership council with representatives from each position group. Weis was not ready to let the team vote on these positions however and will wait until the end of fall practice to announce them.
The three captains that the players picked however represent the team well and have the hard working, tough attitudes that Weis loves. All three took different paths to this point in their careers as well. Quinn started as a true freshman while Zbikowski and Thomas both redshirted. Zbikowski earned the starting nod in his sophomore year while Thomas battled a severe case of fumblitis in 2004. Thomas overcame his fumbling problem however and had a fine season as Darius Walker’s backup last season.
