April 5, 2010
Norfolk, VA - The Old Dominion Football Monarchs where in helmets and shoulder pads for today's practice while they installed new plays on the offense and defense.
The sun was blazing at the beginning of practice with 87 degree temperature but the Monarchs where not phased by the heat. "I was pleased with the way the guys handle today's practice, with the heat, adding new plays on offense and defense and putting them through four different kick-off circuits," said Head Coach Bobby Wilder.
The offense and defense saw roughly 50 plays in four segments of scrimmages. The coaches wanted their players to stay off of the ground because they where not in full pads. Sophomore defensive end Chad King from Springfield, VA timed a three-step-drop by the quarterback perfectly and pulled the ball down for an interception in the second segment of scrimmages. King posted 49 tackles with 11 for a loss of yards, two sacks and forced fumble with a recovery in the 2009 season. Coach Wilder and King had a laugh about the play afterwards because he had been trying to get his timing down on the three-step-drop all last season accumulating five broken up passes.
Coach Wilder also noted how impressed he was with the improvement of his defensive backs during spring practice, especially T.J. Cowart and Markell Wilkins. T.J. Cowart a freshman from Virginia Beach, VA started in 10 games for ODU last season posting 33 tackles, four broken up passes, one fumble recovery and contributed 143 yards for the kick return team. On the other side of the defense for the Monarchs is freshman Markell Wilkins from Hampton, VA. Markell started the final four games of last season and posted 28 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and 63 yards on two kick returns. "I also like the improvements that cornerbacks Lee Daniels and Mike Mason have made," stated Coach Wilder. Daniels was a contributor on defense, appearing in all 11 games last season making nine tackles.
Monarch Moments:
Junior linebacker A.T. Aoelua, sacked the quarterback and two plays later made an interception that went 50 yards for the touchdown. Aoelua started in 10 games in the 2009 season adding 50 tackles, five for 26 yards loss, a sack, an interception, six broken up passes and two forced fumbles with two recoveries.
Quarterback Dominique Blackman hit Dorian Jackson deep across the middle for a 55 yard touchdown.
Come out and see your ODU Football Monarchs!Spring Practice at S.B. Ballard Stadium at Foremen Field is open to the public on Saturday, April 10th and 17th, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.The Spring Game will be held on Saturday, April 24th, 2010 at 1:00p.m.