WALTHAM, Mass. -- Quarterback Bryant Johnson (Hopedale/Milford HS), offensive guard A.J. Riker (Haskell, N.J./Lakeland Regional HS) and safeties Steve and Don Hopkins (Waltham/Waltham HS) have been named captains of the 2011 Bentley University football team, coach Thom Boerman announced today.

Johnson, a graduate student, becomes the first three-year captain in Bentley football history. Riker and the Hopkins twins will be seniors in the fall.

"These young men exemplify what I am looking for in a team captain," said Boerman, who has a 13-6 record in his first two seasons as the Falcons' head coach. "They are committed, hardworking both on and off the field, and are respected by their peers. They each have demonstrated a high level of success as players, and they each also have solid academic profiles and strong leadership skills. I know they will do a great job this season."

Johnson is coming off an outstanding 2010 season, one that saw him earn MVP honors in the Northeast-10 Conference after setting a school record for completion percentage (.659) and accounting for 23 touchdowns, including 18 through the air, in nine games.  The two-time Academic All-NE-10 honoree was also Bentley's offensive MVP and a

Johnson, a lefty who has been the Falcons' starting QB since the start of the 2009 season, threw for 2,161 yards last fall and was second in the NE-10 in total offense, averaging 264 yards a game. His career totals include 5,055 passing yards and 40 TD passes

Riker, a 6-foot-3 285-pounder, has started every game Bentley has played over the last three seasons. He was a member of the 2008 NE-10 All-Rookie Team and was a first-team All-Conference section last fall.

Don and Steve Hopkins both staged successful comebacks last fall, Don after sitting out the 2009 season and Steve from a severe leg injury in the 2009 season finale. They each started every game a year ago, Don at strong safety and Steve at free.

Don was Bentley's Defensive MVP and a first-team All-Northeast-10 selection after recording 61 tackles and recording six interceptions. Steve was second on the team in tackles, making 61, and he came up with four takeaways (two interceptions, two fumble recoveries).

Bentley, which won its final four games last year to finish at 5-4 overall, opens its season Sept. 2 with a first-ever meeting with SUNY Maritime.