April 11, 2006

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - With spring practice coming to an end, it is two players that fight in the trenches that have been named captains for 2006.

Offensive lineman Pat Rich and defensive lineman Ryan Young were selected as team captains by their teammates on Tuesday.

"Our players could not have selected two better representatives of our football team," said JU head coach Steve Gilbert. "They are excellent in every way, academically, athletically, on and off the field - whatever they have to do to succeed. Hopefully their leadership will provide us an opportunity to win the league championship this fall."

Rich, a senior offensive tackle from Sarasota, Fla., has played in every game since coming to JU in 2003, starting the last 17 straight. During his career, he has helped pave the way for Emmett Hunter's record-setting rushing season in 2003 of 1,467 yards. He also earned honorable mention All-America honors in 2004.

Young, a senior defensive lineman from Plantation, Fla., has played in every game but one during his JU career, including 16 consecutive starts entering the season. Known for his long hair that hangs out of his helmet, Young's inspired play along the defensive front was good enough to be third on the team in tackles last season with 40.

He also racked up four tackles for a loss, doubling his career total, and now has 2.5 sacks in his career.

The Dolphins open their 2006 campaign at home against Gardner-Webb at 12:30 p.m.