NORFOLK, Va. - Old Dominion University Football practiced on Thursday morning for the fourth time this fall and for the second-straight time in shoulder pads. ODU will don full pads for the first time this camp on Friday.
The offense picked up the pace during the team drills as David Washington tossed a wide receiver screen to Isaiah Harper for 40 yards on the first play of practice. Gemonta Jackson added a 20-yard run while Ray Lawry scored on a 10-yard run.
Oshane Ximines and Bunmi Rotimi continued to lead a strong pass rush with a pair of sacks apiece.
Later in the drills, Washington tossed a 25-yard first down pass to T.J. Boothe while Shuler Bentley completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Zach Pascal.
Spotlight On: Linebacker TJ Ricks
Ricks led Conference USA last season and set an ODU single-season record with 123 tackles. A former walk-on, Ricks is now the senior leader on an experienced defense that returns eight starters from a season ago.
"I have a lot of experience and I'm trying to motivate the young guys and tell them to just keep working hard," Ricks said.
Recently named a preseason Mid-Major All-American by College Football America, Ricks has gained about 10 pounds this off-season to get ready for the rugged C-USA season.
"I feel like I can now be even more powerful when meeting running backs in the hole," Ricks said.
From a former FCS walk-on to now leading FBS Conference USA, Ricks ranks fourth in ODU record books in career tackles and is 120 away from breaking Craig Wilkins' career record.
"The five years has gone by really fast. I'm just excited to get the opportunity to be out here to make plays and help out the team," Ricks said.