March 26, 2011
NORFOLK, Va. -- The ODU Football Monarchs spent the first two days of spring practice in helmets and have already impressed the coaching staff with the tempo of play and embracing the "Think Fast, Play Fast" mentality.
"I've been really excited with our three captains - Thomas DeMarco, Ronnie Cameron, and Craig Wilkins - and the pace they've set," said Wilder. "Ronnie caused a turnover that resulted in a touchdown, Craig at rover was an impact guy, and Thomas did a good job getting the offense back into a rhythm."
Defensively on Saturday, freshman Eriq Lewis and Devon Simmons had picks, while Ronnie Cameron had what would've been a sack had the Monarchs had pads on.
"Our speed on defensive is very noticeable to me right now," Wilder added once again praising the results of the Monarchs' eight-week off-season strength and conditioning program.
Offensively, Wilder liked the noted improvement of the offensive line with the addition of JUCO transfer David Born and the return of Jeremy Hensley and Ryan Jensen from injury. Also all three quarterbacks - Thomas DeMarco, Rashad Manley, and JUCO transfer Nate Ong - got reps in.
Practice ramps up on Monday when the Football Monarchs don the pads.
MONARCH MOMENTS:
BE ON THE LOOK OUT:
Season ticket renewals are in the mail.
A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE:
Of course there's been the excitement about joining the CAA this fall, but a number of the Monarchs doing media interviews the last two days were quick to point out that there are three non-conference games on the slate before ODU officially takes on a fellow conference foe. While the excitement is high about joining the toughest FCS conference in the nation, they were quick to point out the first focus is on Campbell on September 3rd, and follow with Georgia State on September 10th and Hampton on September 17th before focusing on the CAA.
CHANGE OF POSITION:
A pair of Monarchs have moved positions this fall. Tyler Damato moved from defensive end to tight end and Patrick Young from safety to linebacker.
BORN READY:
JUCO transfer David Born has already started making an impact on the offensive line. Coming to ODU at 355 lbs, the California native shed nearly 30 lbs during the eight-week strength and condition workouts helping his agility on the field.
NEW MONARCH IN THE RANKS:
Assistant Coach Michael Zyskowski was not at practice on Friday as he was busy welcoming 7 lbs., 12.5 ounce, 20.5 inch, and ODU Signing Class of 2029 son Brandon Michael to the world. "Coach Z" is already eyeing "Baby Z" for special teams duty.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
The Daily Press' Melinda Waldrop stopped by practice Friday and blogged about the start of spring practice and Reid Evan's new hair-do. She also writes about the Monarchs' foray into the CAA this fall.
Rich Radford of the Virginian Pilot put together five points the Monarchs must look at this spring in his spring practice preview. He also dropped by practice on Saturday and talked it up with a pair of ODU's incoming freshmen.
Brian Parsons and Ali Lucia on WAVY's Sportswrap talk about ODU's theme of 'Think Fast, Play Fast' with head coach Bobby Wilder and Ronnie Cameron and their return to the CAA. They also chat with ODU's newest assistant coach Bill Dee.
Also don't forget to check out ODUSports.com's in-depth spring practice preview.
THE SOCIAL NETWORK:
Can't get enough ODU Football? Be sure to follow ODU Football on Twitter (@ODUFootball) and on Facebook (Group - Old Dominion University Athletics).
Also check out the CAA pages on Twitter (@The_CAAFootball), Facebook (Group - CAA Football), and the CAA Football Blog for notes and news from around the league.