NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University football completed its second day of preseason camp as a slight rain fell on the L.R. Hill Practice Field.
In the team portion, the defense started off strong with several big plays. Linebackers D.J. Simon, Anthony Wilson and TJ Ricks all had tackles for loss. Later in the session, Justice Davila, Phil Paulhill and Richie Staton broke up passes. The defensive line continued their strong play in the first two days as Andrew Everett and Scott Wiggins picked up sacks. Freshman walk-on Keenan McUmber had the first interception of team drills intercepting a deep pass down the right sideline.
The offense also produced several big plays as Taylor Heinicke connected with Zach Pascal on three separate occasions and Shuler Bentley hit David Washington for a big gain.
Comments from Coach Wilder on day two of camp:
“I am really excited with their effort and especially pleased with the defense. It’s inspiring to see how much better we are compared to where we ended last year. T starts with the defensive line and I am looking at our third and fourth lines and seeing good competition between the players.”
“We’ve got some depth at linebacker. When you have depth you create competition. Every rep is important because the guys know they are important if they want to play on Saturday’s.”
“Energy levels have been really high these two days. It’s hard though when we have guys in classes with finals this week. For them to have wakeup call at 4:30 a.m. and breakfast here at the L.R. Hill at 5 a.m., to then have their 8 or 9 a.m. classes, for them to keep up this energy level, I’m excited about it.”