Dennis F. Caponi (2021) - Hall of Fame - Xavier University Athletics

Dennis F. Caponi

Induction:
2021
Class:
1967

Dennis Caponi, a four-year letter winner at fullback and linebacker for Xavier football, entered Xavier in the fall of 1963 on full scholarship and played freshman football (freshmen were not allowed on varsity). In 1964, he made the varsity team as starting fullback and defensive linebacker. Due to limited substitutions, he needed to play both ways. In 1965 unlimited substitution was introduced by the NCAA and a new defensive position was created, called the X Man, and Caponi was the first to play at that rover position. The team had its best record in years at 8-2 . He also played on short yardage situations as a fullback.

In 1966 Caponi started as the X Man and played on short yardage situations on offense. He played the entire game on defense and offense against Dayton. Caponi was Most Valuable Defensive Player his junior year, and Most Valuable Player and elected to the Legion of Honor his senior year. Xavier defeated the University of Dayton three out of his four years, University of Cincinnati in '65 and '66, and went 3-0 in the Mythical Miami Valley Conference in '65.

Caponi was drafted in the 15th round of the 1967 AFL Draft by Kansas City and in the first round of the CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. Caponi enlisted in the Military from 1967-70 where he received the Army Commendation Medal for distinguished meritorious service. He coached and played football for the Giessen and the Eagles in USAEurope during his time in the military. Caponi went on to play professional football for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League in 1970 but suffered a season-ending knee injury. He then played semi-professional football for the Semi-Pro Toronto Bramalea Satellites in '71 where he was voted captain and led the team to a championship. He retired from football in 1972.