Feb. 2, 2012
NORFOLK, Va. - Former Old Dominion defensive tackle Ronnie Cameron (Westbury, N.Y.) was named the Hampton Roads Sports Commission Defensive Player of the Year at the Celebration of College Football Awards Dinner on Tuesday night.
Cameron was selected to receive the honor by a selection committee consisting of local sports experts familiar with the area's rich talent and was among the six defensive nominees from throughout the Hampton Roads area's collegiate programs.
Coming off a stellar senior season at Old Dominion, Cameron recorded 73 stops at defensive tackle, which included a team-leading 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Other notable awards and honors Cameron has received from his 2011 performance include Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year, Roanoke Times Defensive Player of the Year, and being named an All-American by seven different selection committees including four First Team, two Second Team, and one Honorable Mention selection.
Cameron's performance helped lead the Monarchs to their first playoff appearance and victory in the program's young three-year history. The Monarchs finished the season ranked tenth in the nation, which is also the program's highest ranking in its existence. His performance helped the Monarch defense finish the regular season ranked second in the CAA in rushing defense, allowing only 122.5 yards per contest.
The Hampton Roads Sports Commission is a private/public partnership among the municipalities of Hampton Roads and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Their function is to attract major amateur athletic events to the area. In the past 12 years, this commission has generated more than $168 million in economic impact for the region.