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BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo head football coach Jim Hofher has announced that seniors Lamar Wilcher (Ossining, NY/Ossining), Mark Graham (Monroe, MI/Monroe) and Jeff Mills (Wilkes-Barre, PA/Coughlin) have been tabbed by their teammates as captains for the 2003 season.

"After meeting individually with each of the players following spring practices, these players emerged as the clear-cut leaders of our football team," said Hofher. "Each of them have made many contributions both on and off the field in the past. This is the ultimate compliment to a player - to be chosen a captain by his teammates - and as such, we expect to get continued great leadership

Lamar Wilcher

from Lamar, Mark and Jeff."

Wilcher is only the second player to be chosen captain for two straight years in Buffalo's modern Division I era (1993-present), as current offensive graduate assistant Mike Garofalo was captain of both the 1998 and 1999 teams. A two-year starter, Wilcher was second on the Bulls last season in tackles with 69 despite playing much of the season with a cast to protect a broken left hand. Wilcher finished the season with five tackles for loss and two pass breakups as well. He enters his senior season with 156 career tackles and 21 tackles for loss.

Mark Graham

Graham, meanwhile, is Buffalo's returning leader in tackles (89), solo stops (65) and interceptions (six) after a breakthrough season in 2002. The senior made a smooth transition from cornerback to free safety last year and finished second in the conference in interceptions. He also recorded two sacks and 13 passes defended during the season. Graham, who has started a team-best 28 straight games, already ranks first in career passes defended (33), tied for seventh in solo tackles (125) and tied for sixth all-time with 11 interceptions.

Jeff Mills

Mills, meanwhile, has been a stalwart on the Bulls' offensive line the past two seasons. A two-year starter (23 straight starts), he also excels in the classroom, having been tabbed to the Verizon Academic All-District I football team the past two seasons. Last season his work on the offensive line helped freshman tailback Aaron Leeper (Jamestown, NY/Jamestown) run for 917 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year honors in the process.

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