Reports: Montana Grizzlies announce five team captains ahead of 2024 football season
MISSOULA — On Saturday, after the conclusion of fall camp, Montana head coach Bobby Hauck announced the five team captains for the 2024 season.
The offensive representatives are veteran running back Nick Ostmo and tackle Brandon Casey, while safety Ryder Meyer and cornerback Trevin Gradney represent the defense. Preseason All-Big Sky selection Isiah Childs will lead the special teams. This senior group was chosen by their teammates to guide the team.
Casey, a three-year letterman from Sandpoint, Idaho, enters his senior year with a team-leading 30 starts. He’s a returning first-team All-Big Sky selection and made the preseason all-conference list. Casey was also recognized as a preseason All-American by Stats Perform, having contributed to an offensive line that ranked third in the FCS for first downs last season, helping produce three rushers and three receivers with over 600 yards.
Childs, a senior from Manhattan, Kansas, is recognized on the preseason All-Big Sky team as one of the top-rated players on the coverage units from the previous year. The former running back is transitioning to linebacker this season after rushing for 108 yards last year.
Gradney, a cornerback from Billings and a three-year letterman, led the nation in interceptions for much of last season, finishing with five and earning both All-America and all-conference honors. Known for wearing Montana’s prestigious No. 37 jersey, he registered interceptions in each of the first four games and ranked among the top four in the Big Sky for passes defended, despite missing two games. He has also been named to multiple preseason All-America teams.
Meyer is the top returning tackler from last year’s successful campaign, finishing second on the team and fourth in the Big Sky with 91 total tackles. A native of Fairfield, he has 15 career starts and made an impact last season by recording an interception, recovering a fumble at UC Davis, and contributing with two-point conversions. He was awarded Big Sky Defensive Player of the Week on October 14 after leading the team in tackles and securing a game-clinching interception in the win over Idaho.
Ostmo is set to return as a four-year letterman, aiming to become one of Montana’s all-time leading rushers. He begins the season with 1,856 rushing yards (10th in UM history) and 21 rushing touchdowns (also 10th in UM history). His total of 144 points scored and 24 touchdowns ranks among the top 25 in program history. A native of Portland, Oregon, he received preseason all-conference recognition from Phil Steele magazine last season and has been named an academic all-conference player three times.