2016 Signees (5)
Jelani Carter – Mid-Year
Prince Ajegwu
Elijah Blue
Parrish Gordon
Joe Joe Headen
Secondary Preview: Three of ODU’s four starters in the secondary return for 2016 but ODU must replace the production of three-year starter, Fellonte Misher.
Misher was second on the Monarchs with 99 tackles and led the team with four interceptions and forced two fumbles.
Justice Davila started 10 games opposite of Misher at safety and was third on the team with 89 stops. There will be a battle to start opposite of Davila between several players, including C.J. Bradshaw, Sean Carter, Denzel Williams and Kane Miskel. Bradshaw and Carter each played in all 12 games last season, with Bradshaw recording 29 tackles and an interception while Carter notched 48 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Both players were standouts on special teams. Williams and Miskel redshirted last season but will compete for the starting job.
Andre Bernhard will throw his name into the mix in the fall as he recovers from a knee injury he suffered in the season opener at EMU. Also returning will be Christian Byrum, who played as a true freshman earning Conference USA All-Freshmen team honors before redshirting last season.
The Monarchs return a pair of veteran corners in Aaron Young and Brandon Addison but beyond that not as much experience as the safety position. Young was fifth on the team in tackles with 59 while adding an interception while Addison had 38 tackles and a team-high 11 pass breakups. Lawrence Holley missed most of last season with an injury before playing on special teams in the final two games. Jamez Brickhouse redshirted last season and Miskel could also see time at cornerback.