Maxwell, Bullough and Norman named 2012 team captains

When Kirk Cousins graduated, it left more than a gap at the quarterback position -- it left a void in the team's leadership.From left, Max Bullough, Mark Dantonio, Andrew Maxwell and Chris Norman in Chicago at Big Ten Media Day.

Fortunately, it looks like his replacement at quarterback also is a well-respected team leader.

The football team voted on its captains Thursday, and Andrew Maxwell was named one of the three. He was joined by Max Bullough and Chris Norman -- both linebackers.

Bullough and Maxwell are juniors, while Norman is the lone senior captain.

The three also were the Michigan State player representatives at Big Ten Media Day in Chicago last month.

MSU also likely will rotate a fourth captain each game, according to the Detroit Free Press' Joe Rexrode.

Here is story on Norman worth reading -- and it sheds a lot of light on why he is a captain.