NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University football held its first practice of the 2014 season Monday morning. The first practice the players wore helmets only as per NCAA rules.
The practice consisted of 20, five minute periods that included special teams work, individual drills with position coaches, one-on-one’s between the offensive and defensive lines, and four periods of 11-vs.11.
During the team portion On the offensive side, Zach Pascal had a 30 yard touchdown pass from Taylor Heinicke while also hitting Antonio Vaughan for a 40-yard touchdown. Later in the period David Washington caught a 40-yard pass down the middle from Heinicke.
On the defensive side of the ball, end Andrew Everett had a sack on the quarterback in the team drills and Linebacker Martez Simpson had a tackle for a loss of yards as well. Three defensive players, Martez Simpson, Eriq Lewis, Reece Schmidt, all had pass breakups with Schmidt and Simpson just missing on an INT.
Comments from Coach Wilder after Day One
“Our five senior captains Taylor Heinicke, Andre Simmons, Josh Mann, Eriq Lewis and Antonio Vaughn joined the 11 other returning seniors in talking to the team to prepare them for what lies before them in practices and for the season. They also shared critical elements to what makes the team successful as a group and those will be big players in this upcoming season.”
“This week is the last week of summer school and we still have guys in those classes. Throughout the rest of the day they will focus on academics and then regroup tonight for a team meeting before their 7:30 bed check.”