SHIPPENSBURG — Being an established starter in a college football team is a hard task today, especially with how much competition can arise and how much college football programs undergo change. Being a starter for multiple seasons is an even bigger feat and something that Red Raiders defensive lineman Joe Dolan can add to his resume.

Dolan came to Shippensburg University from Abington Heights High School in 2012, when he redshirted his first year with the team. However, it would not be long until Dolan made his impact felt, as once the third week of the 2013 regular season arrived, Dolan cemented himself as a starter.

After finishing the final nine games in a lead role, Dolan totaled 26 tackles, including five for a loss of yards and two sacks.

2014 brought even bigger things for Dolan, despite the Red Raiders’ struggles as a whole. Dolan was one of only five defensive players to start all 11 games for the team, as the Red Raiders struggled with injuries for much of last season. Dolan improved on his numbers, registering a career-high 36 tackles while also forcing and recovering one fumble.

Now, in 2015, Dolan is the most experienced member on the defensive line, having withstood the tests of time and endurance to remain a mainstay on the Red Raiders’ roster. He has continued to be a starter and is on his way to tallying another productive season. Thus far, Dolan has amassed 15 tackles and recovered one fumble.

The Red Raiders’ defense got off to a rough start, but it has picked up as of late, with many of the team’s younger players emerging into their new roles, something that Dolan is quite familiar with, himself.

“I’ve been around for a couple years now, so I’ve seen a lot of good things and some bad things,” Dolan said. “I feel like I’m able to help the younger guys when times get tough, whether it be in games or during two-a-days.”

As a group, the defense has only allowed 18 points in its last two games, playing a huge part in two important wins for the team as they make their playoff run.

“We got more focused as the year has gone on. We felt like we were on top of the world starting out 2-0, but then we lost the next two,” Dolan said. “That was a big reality check for us and we just had to get our focus down and continue to grind out the rest of the season.”

Like many of the Red Raiders’ players and coaches, Dolan has high expectations for where this season can end.

“We’re tied for first place right now, but we can’t let that get to our heads,” Dolan said. “We have to keep the mentality that we are battling from the bottom up. I think if we get a chance to play in the PSAC Championship game, everyone would be more focused and have one of their best performances, including myself.”

“I know that I am going to be one of the hardest working players on the team for the rest of the season.”

Dolan and the Red Raiders travel to Kutztown on Saturday to face off against the Golden Bears in a pivotal game in the final weeks of the season.

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