Villanova, Pa. - Villanova University head football coach Andy Talley today announced the 2016 Wildcat team captains. Senior linebacker Austin Calitro (Danbury, Conn.), senior defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (Ambler, Pa.) and senior offensive lineman Nico D'Angelo (Margate, N.J.) will serve as tri-captains for the 2016 season.

Calitro had one of the biggest breakout seasons by any Villanova player in 2015 and emerged as one of the top defensive players in CAA Football. He led the team with 90 total tackles for the year, including 55 solo stops and 35 defensive tackles. Calitro registered 11.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 4.5 sacks, while also leading the team with three forced fumbles. He added four pass breakups and an interception which he returned 22 yards. Calitro finished the regular season tied for third in CAA Football in forced fumbles, tied for seventh in total tackles and eighth in tackles for loss.

Kpassagnon was a big-time playmaker for the Villanova defense last season. He led the team with 6.5 sacks and was third on the squad with 9.5 total tackles for loss. Kpassagnon made 33 stops overall, including 21 solo tackles and 12 assisted stops. He also had both a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, an interception, a quarterback hurry and two blocked kicks. Both of the blocked kicks came on point-after attempts, with his block in the final home game against No. 9 Richmond ending up being the difference in a 21-20 victory. During the season, Kpassagnon registered his first career interception in a 37-0 win at Albany and notched his first career fumble recovery against William & Mary.

D'Angelo is a two-year starter at offensive guard and will be looked upon to be a key member of the Wildcat offensive line in 2016. A two-time member of the CAA All-Academic Team, D'Angelo started all 11 games at guard in 2015 and helped the Wildcats average 363.5 yards of total offense per game.