NORFOLK, Va. - For the first time this in fall camp Old Dominion University Football put on shoulder pads as the Monarchs practice for the third time.
The Monarchs added the shoulder pads as well as an inside run session with the offensive and defensive line, linebackers and running backs.
During team drills the defensive line continued to get pressure as Oshane Ximines, Tim Ward and Bunmi Rotimi delivered sacks, but the offense also delivered several big plays. David Washington tossed a long touchdown pass to Hasaan Patterson and another to Eri'Reon Hayes.
Spotlight On: Running Back Ray Lawry
Junior Ray Lawry leads a deep group of returning ball carriers for the Monarchs, a group thast returns all but six yards from a season ago. Lawry led Conference USA with 1,136 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, but is still looking for improvement.
"I know what I need to do better this year, for one being healthy. I need to constantly go in and get treatment to take care of my body," Lawry said.
Lawry led the nation in rushing after the first two weeks of last season and rushed for more than 100 yards in six games. The Logan Township native is ODU's all-time leading rusher after just two years and has the top two single-season rushing totals in school history. Now one of the upperclassmen on the squad, he looks to continue to get better.
"We have been watching a lot of film and trying to get better. There were plays last year that I could have broke for more yards."