2016 Old Dominion University Football Team Preview | #BeAMonarch

Bobby Wilder prepares for his seventh year on the Old Dominion throne where he will be looking to disprove all the doubters.

Now into their fourth year of making the transition from FCS to FBS, the Monarchs welcome back 17 starters from the 2015 season. Nonetheless, while ODU boasts one of the most experienced sides in the East Division, very few expect the program to make it to postseason this year.

One key reason for all the pessimism is the team’s inability to prevent sacks, a problem compounded by the injuries to Melvin Vaughn and Adam Swann.

Players To Watch

There are some signs for hope though, as the team’s traditionally weak defense seems to be better equipped at dealing with the challenges that lay ahead. There is more depth to draw upon and even Justice Davilia, who racked up 87 tackles last season, will have to fight it out with young gun Denzel Williams for a starting place.

Ray Lawry provides the Monarchs with a viable outlet at running back. Still a junior, he possesses blistering pace and has proven a canny tackle dodger during his two seasons running the channels at ODU, where he has rushed for 1,136 yards.