DES MOINES, IOWA Senior linebacker Nick Ross (Atlantic) and senior wide receiver Shea Moroni (Glen Elyn, Ill.) have been named co-captains of the 2006 Drake football team.

Ross, who also served as co-captain in 2005, is entering his third year as a starter at weakside linebacker. He earned All-Pioneer Football League North Division honorable mention honors last year in 2004. He led Drake with 94 tackles in 2004, including a team-high 57 solo hits.

He ranked second on the team in tackles last year with 77, including 50 solo hits, while intercepting one pass and recovering two fumbles.

Moroni has caught 67 passes for 789 yards, including six touchdowns entering his 4th year as a starter. He was Drake's second leading receiver last season, snaring 22 passes for 302 yards including three touchdowns.

The Bulldogs will open their 112th year of intercollegiate football Aug.31 playing host to Northern Iowa, which finished runner-up in the 2006 NCAA Division I-AA Championships.

Drake has 15 starters back from last years squad which posted a 6-4 record, including a 2-2 third-place mark in the North Division of the Pioneer Football League.