WALTHAM, Mass. – Cornerback Jailen Branch (Randolph/Milton Academy), defensive end Cedie Dashiell II (Buena Park, Calif./Buena Park HS), linebacker Salvatore Lupoli (Chelmsford/Chelmsford HS) and wide receiver Noah Neville (Newton/Newton North HS) have been named captains of the 2022 Bentley University football team, head coach Alvin Reynolds announced.

Branch, Dashiell and Neville were all first-team All-Northeast-10 honorees in 2021 while Lupoli was the fourth leading tackler in the conference.

Branch, a senior and second-year captain, had 31 tackles and 10 pass break-ups last season, the latter the second most in the NE10. The AFCA Good Works Team nominee also came up with three takeaways with an interception and two fumble recoveries.

Dashiell, also a senior and second-year captain, was the 2021 NE10 Defensive Lineman of the Year. He was the NE10 co-leader in sacks (10), forced fumbles (4) and fumble recoveries (2), as well as first in the conference in yards lost, both on sacks (71) and tackles for losses (92).

The 2021 D2CCA All-Super Region 1 performer has received preseason recognition from Lindy's College Football (second-team All-Division II) and D2Football.com (Elite 100 Watch List second team).

Now a junior, Lupoli Jr. made a mark for himself last season when he was in on 90 tackles and also had four pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and am interception. He had double-figure tackles four times with a high against New Haven November 6.     

Neville, a senior, was Bentley's top receiver last fall with 32 for 555 yards and six touchdowns. Entering this season, he has 85 career receptions for 1,338 yards and 15 TD.

Bentley, coming off a 9-2 season a year ago, will open Friday night at West Chester University.