Four seniors merit teammates' respect

They were named captains for YSU's 2003 season.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State coach Jon Heacock announced the team's captains for the coming season Wednesday.
The four seniors, selected by their teammates, are linebacker Justin Dellarose, tailback Mike Burns, tailback Josiah Doby and defensive back Sherod Holmes.
"Once again [the team has] selected four great leaders to lead this team," said Heacock. "All four of those players have been instrumental both on and off the field all during camp."
Staying on board
Dellarose, (6-foot-2, 227 pounds) from Labelle, Pa., is in his fifth season with the Penguins. He was a starter for the past two seasons and earned a fifth year by graduating with his freshman class in the spring. He is taking graduate courses.
Last season he finished with 67 total tackles, including 36 solo hits, and had three sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He also had three forced fumbles and four pass breakups.
Burns, a 6-1, 230-pound tailback from Niles, is expected to share the starting tailback spot with Doby. Besides his offensive duties, he plays on most of the special teams.
The fifth-year senior has rushed for 699 yards in three seasons, including 399 yards as a sophomore and 285 yards last season. He's scored three touchdowns, the longest on a 57-yard run a year ago.
Doby, a 5-9, 220-pounder from Long Beach, Calif., is also in his fifth season with the Penguins.
In three previous years he has totaled 1,011 yards rushing, including 459 yards as a sophomore in 2000. He sat out and was redshirted in 2001 with an injury, and returned last season to gain 355 yards and score five touchdowns.
Defensive standout
Holmes, a 5-8, 155-pound cornerback from Stockton, Calif., is in only his second season with the Penguins after transferring from Butte (Calif.) Junior College. He played in all 11 games last year and started the final nine games of the season. He had 32 total tackles and was tied for the team lead in pass interceptions with three. He also had two fumble recoveries.