NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University Football had six players honored on the Athlon and Phil Steele preseason magazine All-Sun Belt Teams, the magazines recently announced.
Linebacker Jason Henderson earned first-team honors by both magazines and was named preseason first-team All-American by Phil Steele. Defensive tackle Denzel Lowry earned first-team honors by Athlon and second-team from Phil Steele. Tight end Jalen Butler was named to the fourth team by Phil Steele, while offensive lineman Santana Saunders earned fourth-team honors from both organizations. Isiah Paige earned fourth-team honors as a punt returner by Phil Steele and third-team by Athlon, and fourth team wide receiver by Athlon. Incoming transfer Patrick Smith-Young received fourth-team honors from Athlon at defensive back.
Henderson led the country with 14.2 tackles per game and became the first ODU player to earn first-team All-America honors. A two-time All-American, Henderson had 170 tackles last season and set a school record with 19.5 tackles for loss.
Lowry started all 13 games in 2023 at defensive tackle and earned Sun Belt honorable mention accolades. He led ODU defensive linemen with 46 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks.
Butler started 10 games at tight end and caught nine passes for 44 yards, including a two-point conversion attempt in the win over App State.
Paige led the Monarchs in receptions with 43 catches and totaled 445 yards and two touchdowns. He returned 11 punts for a 7.2-yard average.
Saunders started all 13 games last year on the offensive line. He started four at left tackle and nine at right tackle. In his career he has made 17 starts.
A transfer from North Texas, Smith-Young was second on the Mean Green last season with 77 tackles.
Season tickets for the 2024 season are on sale now. Click here for more information. The Monarchs open the season at South Carolina but host East Carolina in the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 7 and host Virginia Tech the following weekend on Saturday, Sept. 14.