As we inch closer to the start of spring practice ODUSports.com will preview each position. Today we preview the defensive line.
Defensive Line Overview
ODU graduated six defensive linemen, including starters Oshane Ximines, Pat Toal, Daniel Appouh and Tim Ward, while Miles Fox transferred to Wake Forest.
Junior Jeremy Meiser returns at defensive tackle after starting 10 games last season and recording 21 tackles and five tackles for loss. Juwan Ross played in 10 games, notching 11 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. Mufu Taiwo registered eight tackle in 10 games andwill look for more playing time in his final year in Norfolk.
There will be big-time competition for playing time between a number of players, including returners James Valle, Sam White, Ty-Kee McCullers, Marcus Haynes and Cameron Washington.
Also vying for playing time are players that redshirted a season ago. Sokoya McDuffie played in three games and was able to redshirt, while O’Shea Jackson also redshirted.
Newcomers Elijah Golston and Blake Hehl, are junior college transfers that joined ODU in January and add to the competition.
DL By the Numbers
| Name | Cl. | Ht. | Wt. | Misc. |
| Elijah Golston | So. | 6-4 | 218 | JUCO transfer from Mt. San Antonio. No. 4 OLB in California |
| Marcus Haynes | So-r. | 6-4 | 215 | Had two sacks in the win over No. 13 Virginia Tech |
| Estefano Feliciano | So-r. | 6-1 | 235 | Former linebacker moved to DE for spring ball |
| O'Shea Jackson | Fr-r. | 6-5 | 245 | Redshirted. Sat out most of the season with an injury |
| James Valle | So-r. | 6-4 | 234 | Saw spot duty in six games. Athletic edge rusher |
| Sam White | So-r. | 6-3 | 250 | Will compete for time at defensive end |
| Blake Hehl | So. | 6-2 | 277 | JUCO transfer, hard-nosed d-tackle |
| Ty-Kee McCullers | Jr. | 6-2 | 275 | Walk-on played in one game last season |
| Sokoya McDuffie | Fr-r. | 6-5 | 275 | Redshirted. Talented, athletic player played in 3 games in 2018 |
| Jeremy Meiser | Jr. | 6-3 | 270 | Most experienced returning player on d-line |
| Juwan Ross | Jr-r. | 6-2 | 275 | Played in 10 games last year, making 11 tackles |
| Mufu Taiwo | Sr-r. | 6-5 | 306 | Solid on and off the field. SAAC President |
| Keion White | So-r. | 6-4 | 235 | 11 catches last season at TE. Changes position this spring |
| Cameron Washington | So-r. | 6-4 | 280 | Big body played in two games last season |
| Derek Wilder | Sr-r. | 6-2 | 250 | Solid special teams player. Moves up from linebacker |