ATLANTA — In a result that was more of a formality yesterday, four key University of Hawai'i football players — linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard, defensive tackle Keala Watson, and center John Estes — were named team captains.

They were selected by their peers. Each of the 66 players on this road trip was allowed to vote for up to two players.

"Quite honestly, there were a lot of guys who got votes, so we have a lot of leaders," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "Those guys were separated. Those were very good choices. The team really respects them."

Elimimian and Leonard are fourth-year starters. They have never redshirted. Elimimian calls the defensive signals. Leonard was one of the organizers of the unsupervised workouts this summer, often providing the water.

Estes, the only junior of the quartet, is a third-year starter. He makes the blocking calls.

Watson has been a part-time starter the past three seasons. But he is considered one of the team's spiritual leaders. He also has co-authored two ha'a chants, including the version the Warriors will use this season. The Nanakuli High graduate is the only one of the four who was raised in Hawai'i.

"The few and the proud," Watson said, smiling. "It's an honor to join them as a captain. One of the best things is we have so many good leaders on our team. All of the positions have leaders. Every position has people who will step up and take charge and get everybody motivated."

Watson's other team also looks to him as a leader. Watson and his wife, Leona, are expecting their first child in February.

Estes, who was raised in Stockton, Calif., is the proverbial quiet-and-effective leader. He was the starting right guard as a second-year freshman in 2006, then made the difficult transition to become Samson Satele's successor at center last season.

"I'm honored my teammates look at me as a leader," Estes said. "There are so many other guys who are deserving. I'm so happy they picked me."

Estes has never complained, despite having to overcome several injuries. He had a painful hamstring injury in spring training and a tender right shoulder in training camp.

Leonard, who was raised in Seattle, also has overcome adversity. He came back from a torn knee ligament to play as a freshman in 2005. He played most of 2006 despite another knee injury. Last season, he made four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, despite a broken thumb that required him to wear a cast on his right hand during the week.

"Humbled and hungry," Leonard said of the selection. "It's a great honor. I'm appreciative. I'm happy to know my teammates feel this way about me. At the same time, I'm not going to be any different than when I first came in. I want to go out there and work hard and lead by example."

Elimimian, who led the Warriors with 141 tackles last season, also was named the Western Athletic Conference's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

But being named team captain, Elimimian said, "is the biggest honor. Any time you get your teammates' admiration and respect, it goes a long way. It's a blessing. Being voted captain by your peers, the guys you go to war with, is definitely significant."

Three weeks ago, Elimimian, who was raised in Los Angeles, made a personal sacrifice, agreeing to move from middle linebacker to the right side. The move was necessitated because of outside linebacker Blaze Soares' injury.

By moving from the middle, Elimimian's tackle totals are expected to decline.

But Elimimian said: "I'll do whatever it takes to help the team. The team is the most important thing."