With the beginning of spring football practice less than a week away, ODUSports.com will preview each position before the first day of practice. Today we take a look at the secondary.
Defensive Backs
Old Dominion returns five defensive backs with playing experience while four of them are safeties. Conference USA All-Freshman Team honoree Christian Byrum, Justice Davila, Fellonte Misher and Rob Thompson return along with Aaron Young for the 2015 season. Byrum and Davila gained valuable experience this year as true freshmen while Thompson redshirted in 2014 due to a shoulder injury suffered in fall camp. Young is the only corner returning with playing experience.
The Returners
Davila recorded 33 tackles in just six games, breaking up four passes, second on the team, and forcing a fumble. Byrum added 20 tackles and two interceptions. Misher finished third on the team in tackles with 79 while registering two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
Thompson recorded 20 tackles as a true freshman in 2013 and was listed as the starter at safety opposite of Misher when he was injured.
Young played in 11 games in 2014, starting one. He had 10 tackles and two pass breakups.
The Newcomers
With UAB dropping their program after the 2014 season, ODU plucked Devon Brown. Brown played in 20 games in two years with the Blazers, recording 26 tackles and four pass breakups. He will compete for a starting job this spring.
Lawrence Holley, a native of Harrisburg, Pa., redshirted this fall and will also compete for a starting spot. Junior C.J. Bradshaw switched from wide receiver to corner at the end of the 2014 season and adds depth to the position.
By The Numbers
5: Interceptions by the ODU secondary in 2014. Four of those were by returners, Misher and Byrum.
79: Tackles by Fellonte Misher in 2014.
3: Number of players that have started at least one game at safety for ODU: Misher, Byrum and Davila.