With just one week before fall camp starts, ODUSports.com will take a look at a position group each day this week to get you ready for ODU Football.
Secondary Preview
The secondary returns eight players that gained valuable experience in 2013 including just a pair of seniors.
Junior Fellonte Misher led the 2013 squad with 95 tackles while adding two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
With last year’s other starting safety Andre Simmons moving to linebacker, that opens a competition between sophomore Rob Thompson, January enrollee Justin Noye, and 2014 incoming freshman Christian Byrum. Thompson played in 10 games as a true freshman making 20 tackles. Noye, a high school quarterback from Rochester East High School in New York, came to ODU in January and had a solid spring while Byrum turned down several BCS schools to sign with the Monarchs.
Reggie Owens is back as the top cover corner while Eriq Lewis returns from a season-ending shoulder injury in 2013 and is a team captain. Sandy Chapman and Aaron Young also earned playing time in 2013, while Chapman started the final three games at cornerback.
Jevon Neal returns for his senior season. He started the first six games at corner in 2013 and contributed 21 tackles and one pass breakup.
Phil Paulhill played in two games for ODU last year before an injury derailed his season, but the senior from New Jersey adds depth at safety.
Junior Malique Johnson, who bounced around between safety and linebacker last year returns after registering 33 tackles and a sack in 2013.
ODU brought in an impressive collection of freshmen in safety Justice Davila, cornerback Lawrence Holley and safety Byrum. All three will compete for playing time.