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Michigan State's 2016 captains

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING -- Michigan State's starting quarterback and a pair of senior defensive leaders will serve as captains for the 2016 team.

Linebacker Riley Bullough, quarterback Tyler O'Connor and defensive back Demetrious Cox were named Michigan State's captains on Thursday morning, following the team's final fall camp practice.

Michigan State captains are decided by a team-wide vote. Players must be on the team's leadership council to be eligible. The team has three permanent captains and a rotating fourth captain on gamedays.

Bullough is returning for his second season as a starter a middle linebacker, and joins his father Shane and older brother Max in being named a Spartans captain.

O'Connor was named captain just days after he officially was named the team's starting quarterback.

Cox is a returning starter and leader among defensive backs, a position that has produced a slew of captains under Dantonio's tenure.

Michigan State opens the season on Sept. 2 against Furman.