Michigan State University Athletics
1999 Spartan Football Captains Elected
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 25, 1999
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State senior strong safety Aric Morris and senior wide receiver Gari Scott have been elected team captains for 1999 by their peers, head coach Nick Saban announced Tuesday.
"Aric (Morris) and Gari (Scott) were the clear-cut choices of their teammates," Saban said. "Those guys really began to lead this team during the winter conditioning program and it continued through the spring. They lead in different ways but there's no question that they have earned the respect of their peers. Aric and Gari are most deserving of this honor."
Morris led the Spartans in tackles in 1998 with 127, including eight for losses (31 yards). The 5-foot-11, 207-pounder from Oak Park, Mich., reached double figures in tackles seven times, including 17 stops each vs. Penn State and Ohio State. He also finished second on the team with three interceptions.
"I was shocked to hear that so many of my teammates voted for me and that makes it a big deal," Morris said. "I'm glad they saw Gari and I take leadership roles in the spring. We're just focused on bringing this team together. We have good lines of communication with the coaches, and I can honestly say that this team is the closest one I've been around since coming to Michigan State.
"I'm the designated team spokesman since that really isn't Gari's personality. I guess I'll get to do most of the dirty work when guys don't take care of business. Gari and I want all the players to take ownership in this team, and I think all of the seniors understand the important roles that they play."
Scott, a 6-1, 197-pounder from Lake Park, Fla., had a career-high 58 catches for 843 yards and four TDs in '98. He had a career-best nine receptions for 157 yards in the regular-season finale at Penn State. Scott accounted for 1,637 all-purpose yards to rank third in the Big Ten.
"This means a lot to me," Scott said. "In fact, being named captain means more to me than any individual honor I could possibly receive. I'm not a vocal guy but my teammates see how hard I work at trying to improve myself and they appreciate it. I'm happy to accept this role."
