ODU Football Notebook
Old Dominion University Football has two quarterbacks playing professionally, and in 2016 graduated a third in David Washington that finished the 2016 season second in touchdown to interception ration, tossing 31 touchdowns with just five interceptions. ODU is quickly developing a reputation as a school that develops high-level quarterbacks.
“We have always prided ourselves as coaches in our ability to recruit and develop the QB position here at Old Dominion. Our QB’s understand the value of the football and how turnovers affect the outcome of the game. This is a major reason why we have gone 67-30 in our 97 games. They understand a punt is much better for the team then an interception for field position and momentum during the game,” ODU Head Coach Bobby Wilder said. "Throwing 238 TD passes against 75 interceptions in eight years is proof of quality performance by the position. We will continue to recruit and develop this position at a high level so our team can continue to have the opportunity to be successful.”
By the Numbers
ODU quarterbacks have passed for 26,655 yards with 238 touchdowns and 75 interceptions, while rushing for 3,942 yards and another 56 touchdowns.
Take Care of the Ball
The Monarchs have thrown 20 or more touchdown passes in every season since restarting football in 2009, while never throwing more than 16 interceptions in a single-season. ODU has completed 63% of passes in the eight-year history of the program, with Taylor Heinicke’s 70% completion percentage in 2013 the best in school history.
This season, Washington tossed 31 touchdowns passes with five interceptions, helping ODU tie for the second fewest turnovers in the country.
Record-Setting
In 2012, Taylor Heinicke led the FCS with 44 touchdown passes, 55 total touchdowns, 426.2 yards of total offense and a then FCS record, 5,076 passing yards (broken in 2016 by Gabe Gubrud of E. Washington, 5,160 yards). Heinicke won the Walter Payton Award in 2012 as the best player in FCS.
Run a Little
In 2009, Thomas DeMarco passed for 1,921 yards with 21 touchdown passes and four interceptions, while rushing for 892 yards. The 892 rushing yards was ODU’s single-season rushing record until Ray Lawry broke it in 2014. DeMarco still holds the record for rushing yards in a game with 224 in 2009 against North Carolina Central.
Washington ran for 207 yards and a touchdown in 2016, while Heinicke rushed for 470 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012. DeMarco and Heinicke are the third and fourth leading rushers in ODU history.
Roster Update
The Monarchs roster has changed following Christmas break as spring football approaches. Offensive lineman Cullen Casey will graduate in May and leave the team to accept an internship. Running back Nick Ferrari-Smith will also not return and will accept an internship with a financial company.
Dontae Weatherly has retired due to injury but will remain with the team as a student manager. Kody Cunningham is no longer a member of the program but remains at ODU to continue his education.
Brennan Lewis and Ian Cox are no longer with the program.