VILLANOVA, PA. --- At the conclusion of spring practice on Friday, April 21, Villanova University head football coach Mark Ferrante announced the four senior players who will serve as team captains for the 2017 season. The foursome includes offensive lineman Matt Donoghue (Garnet Valley, Pa./ Garnet Valley H.S.), safety Rob Rolle (Newfield, N.J./ Delsea H.S.), linebacker Ed Shockley (Millville, N.J./ Millville H.S.) and defensive lineman Ricky Young (Telford, Pa./ Souderton H.S.).

Donoghue started all 13 games at center last season and helped Villanova average 206.3 rushing yards per game. Donoghue will be looked upon to be a key figure along the 2017 offensive line.

Rolle is coming off a sensation junior season where he led the country in interceptions with seven to go with 63 total tackles which ranked fourth on the team. He also recorded two defensive touchdowns last year, including a 100-yard interception return and a three-yard fumble return. For his efforts last season, Rolle was named first team All-CAA and a first team All-American by Hero Sports.

Shockley returns for his third season as a starter in 2017. In 13 games last year, he ranked third on the team in total tackles with 86 to go with 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 quarterback sacks and a fumble recovery.  Shockley earned third team All-CAA honors for his play last season.

Young has been a mainstay along the defensive line for the Wildcats. In 13 games last season from his nose guard position, he registered 20 total tackles, two tackles for loss and a quarterback sack.

Villanova will open the 2017 season on Saturday, Sept. 2, with a game at Lehigh. The home opener is set for Sept. 16 against Lafayette. The Wildcats return 15 starters from last year’s squad that went 9-4 overall and advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs.