EASTON, Pa. – Seniors Preston Forney, Ryder Langsdale, Saiku White and junior Dean DeNobile have been selected as the team captains for the 2024 season, named recipients of the Chris LaPietra '89 Captain Award.

"These four men are everything you want in your leaders. They lead by their actions and their words," said John Troxell, the Fred M. Kirby II '42 Head Football Coach. "They are committed to creating a winning culture and know the importance of being a strong leader in a championship program."

It's a return engagement for Saiku White, as the safety served as a team captain in his junior campaign when he helped guide the Leopards to a Patriot League title. White has started 26 of 31 career games, including every contest in 2022 and 2023. The Atlanta, Ga. native earned Associated Press All-America Third-Team honors and garnered All-Patriot League First-Team status in 2023. The Economics major finished second on the team in tackles (77, with 5.5 TFL) and added a career-high and team-high four interceptions to lead the Patriot League. 

Forney is returning for a fifth season on College Hill, having played in 30 career games with 21 starts. An Engineering major, Forney started every game at WILL linebacker in 2023 as one of four players with 70-plus tackles. The Southlake, Texas native added eight tackles for loss, including three sacks and was ranked fifth in the Patriot League in fumble recoveries.

On the offensive side of the ball Langsdale has been the tone-setter of the offensive line under head coach John Troxell and has started every game at offensive tackle the last two seasons. The International Affairs Major was named an All-Patriot League Second-Team selection in 2023 when he played an essential role in the Leopards' run game. That rushing attack featured Jamar Curtis who set a Lafayette single-season rushing record (1,460 yards) and finished second in the nation in rushing (132.7 ypg) and was fifth in the nation with 15 rushing touchdowns.

DeNobile emerged as the offensive signal caller in 2023, starting 11 of 12 games on his way to All-Patriot League Second-Team status after being named the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week on three occasions. The Economics major completed 170-of-254 for 2,005 total yards and 20 touchdowns, while only throwing five interceptions. DeNobile ranked 14th in the nation in pass efficiency (154.4) and 20th in passing TDs (20).

The Leopards, who were nationally ranked in 2023, are set to open their 2024 campaign on August 29 at Buffalo. Lafayette will play its home opener vs. Marist on Sept. 14.