With one day remaining until spring football practice, ODUSports.com takes a look at the final position group, the defensive backs.
Defensive Backs
Old Dominion graduated two senior starters from the secondary in 2016 in C.J. Bradshaw and Aaron Young, but return a host of players with extensive experience for the 2017 season.
Junior safety Sean Carter is the Monarchs’ leading returning tackler from 2016 with 60, while fellow safety Justice Davila returns after making 47 stops. Also returning from the safety group are Rob Thompson, Kane Miskel, Andre Bernhard, Denzel Williams, Christian Byrum and Justin Noye. Miskel started a pair of games and finished the season with 33 tackles, while Thompson started the final six games of the season, recording 28 tackles and his first career interception. Williams battled injuries and played in seven games, notching 14 tackles and two interceptions, picking off a pass in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl. Byrum played in eight games on the year and finished the season with 12 tackles, 11 coming in the bowl victory against Eastern Michigan. Bernhard was a valuable player for the Monarchs on special teams in 2016, leading ODU with 14 special teams tackles. He finished the year with 24 total stops. Noye was also a key special teams player, making four special teams tackles, including a tackle for a 17-yard loss in the win over Charlotte.
At cornerback, ODU returns second-team All-Conference USA selection, Brandon Addison. Addison led ODU corners with 47 tackles and corralled the first two interceptions of his career. Addison set an ODU single-game record last season against Marshall with five pass breakups, and also holds the ODU career record with 21. Jamez Brickhouse made his first career start in the Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, securing a career-best 11 tackles. He finished the year with 18 stops and one tackle for loss.
The Monarchs were able to redshirt freshmen corners Elijah Blue and Joe Joe Headen, while also redshirting freshmen safeties Prince Ajegwu and Parrish Gordon.
Defensive Backs
Brandon Addison
Prince Ajegwu
Andre Bernhard
Elijah Blue
Jamez Brickhouse
Christian Byrum
Jelani Carter
Sean Carter
Justice Davila
Akim Bundu-Fitz
Jordan Glover
Parrish Gordon
Joe Joe Headen
Lawrence Holley
Jamshyer McUmber
Kane Miskel
Justin Noye
Rob Thompson
Denzel Williams
Jermain Williamson
2017 DB Signees
Geronda Hall – 5-10, 167 – CB - Atlanta, Ga./KIPP Atlanta Collegiate
Tracy White – 6-2, 180 – CB – Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County