It’s Not Just the Jason Henderson Show
Last season, ODU had a bend-don’t-break mentality on defense. They would allow teams to march down the field and gain a lot of yards. Indeed they allowed 432 yards per conference game (tied 12th in SBC). But when teams got in the red zone, the Monarch D would tighten up and often limit them to a field goal. With this strategy, they only allowed 26.1 points per conference game (7th in SBC). These are wonderful numbers once we consider that the defense was on the field more than any other FBS defense in 2023 (35:52/game). It will be interesting to see if this trend continues entering Defensive Coordinator Blake Seiler’s third season at ODU.
Ricky Rahne hired Seiler in 2020 and he has directed the defense ever since. He spent the 2019 season at West Virginia coaching the linebackers. Prior to the 2019 season, Seiler coached at Kansas State for 10 years and was their defensive coordinator in 2018. Seiler runs a 4-2-5 style defense where a safety or nickel back is expected to help in run support. Having an extra defensive back generally helps defending the pass but ODU needed help stopping the run. The D gave up 193 rushing yards per conference game (13th in SBC). That will have to improve if they want to face Nate Noel, Rasheen Ali, and Frank Gore this season. So far, Seiler has had some moderate success at ODU but his defense has rarely been dominant.
This year, Seiler will also have his work cut out for him. Just like the offense, the defense has been gutted returning only three starters. But one of those three starters is All-American Jason Henderson. Henderson will be vital to help the Monarchs defense be a high performing unit. But do not sleep on the rest of the defense. Only three are considered returning starters but many returners have experience at ODU and elsewhere. If the defense can fill many of the holes left by departures (especially at cornerback), this unit could be one of the more talented that Old Dominion has had.
Defensive Line
Both Chazz Wallace and Deeve Harris transferred to Deion Sanders’ Colorado. Marcus Haynes left for the Denver Broncos with aspirations of making the NFL roster. The departure of such players would make you think the line is bare but actually the team returns solid talent and experience.
Denzel Lowry played in all 12 games last year registering 35 tackles, five tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with four sacks. Devin Brandt-Epps appeared in nine games, starting six, registering 34 tackles, three sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Redshirt Sophomore Amorie Morrison returns. Last season he started the first three games before suffering a season-ending injury. As a true freshman in 2021, he played in all 12 games where he recorded 32 tackles, 3.5 sacks and five tackles for loss. His effort had him named to the All-CUSA Freshman Team along with Jason Henderson. Morrison should contribute again right away.
Finally, senior Jahlil Taylor comes in from North Carolina for his sixth and last year of eligibility. Although he never started for the Tar Heels, he had a lot of playing time over the years and brings experience. At 295 pounds, he expected to plug up the middle at nose tackle. He will be vital in improving the rush defense.
Although this unit currently doesn’t yet have a true star, someone is likely to emerge and turn some heads. Sun Belt quarterbacks should watch out.
Linebackers
Jason Henderson. Jason Henderson. Jason Henderson. What more can we say about Jason Henderson? He may be one of the best players in the entire Sun Belt, or even all college football. Last year he led the country with 186 tackles on the year, 39 more than the No. 2 tackler. Had he not left the App State game early due to an injury, he may have broken Lawrence Flugence’s record of 193 tackles set in 2002 at Texas Tech. Henderson will have to be satisfied with just the team and Sun Belt Conference single-season records for tackles. He may be good enough to declare for the NFL draft next year so we should enjoy him while he is here.
But he’s not the only linebacker. Juniors EJ Green and Sayyed Stevens will aid him on the field. Stevens transferred in from Duke where he had significant playing time, taking 505 career snaps. Meanwhile EJ Green has had very impressive Spring and Fall camps. Sophomores Wayne Matthews and Malcom Britt add depth to the unit. Overall, this unit is just as experienced as last year’s and should be a bright spot on the defense.
Secondary
The secondary lost its unit’s top tackler, safety R’Tarrium Johnson (89 tackles in ‘22) as well as corners Tobias Harris and Tre Hawkins. The latter of which was drafted by the New York Giants and is turning heads in minicamp. With these departures, the Monarchs will enter camp with lots of questions in the secondary.
LaMareon James, Jecareon Lathan, Rasheed Reason, Langston Williams, Nate Wyatt, and Nolan Johnson are all expected to compete for the top spots at corner. James has made a name for himself as a kick returner scoring a touchdown during the Myrtle Beach Bowl. On defense last year he registered 23 tackles, one interception and a pass breakup. He has an opportunity to step up and be a leader in the secondary. Meanwhile, Lathan has made strides in practice but has very little experience, only playing in three games last season before injury sidelined him. Meanwhile, the unit has three transfers, Langston Williams from Colorado State , Nate Wyatt from Temple, and Nolan Johnson from Miami (Ohio). Each of these transfers saw some playing time at their prior schools and add experience. Langston Williams in particular has had a very good camp and Nolan Johnson has had playing time at both Miami and East Carolina. Johnson is expected to have playing time in his last year of eligibility. However, the unit is looking for playmakers to step up.
The safety position has a little more stability and certainty. Terry Jones returns for his junior year. Last year he finished third on the team and 34th in the Sun Belt with 63 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a sack. Shawn Asbury and Tahj Ra-El both return with lots of playing experience from last season. Asbury (no relation but awesome last name) has had a really good camp. Finally, Jeremy Mack Jr. transfers from Colorado. Last season, he finished fourth on that team with 46 tackles and recorded a season-high 11 tackles against USC and Utah.
The safety position has more depth than the corner position. Someone like Mack or Asbury may transition to corner to help out. However, the secondary still has more questions than answers. Last season, the pass defense allowed 239 yards per conference game (9th in SBC). If they seek to improve those numbers, playmakers need to arise.
Special Teams
Kevin Smith returns for his third season as the Special Teams Coach. The special teams unit has been largely a success in Norfolk. LaMareon James is an excellent Kick Returner when teams will actually kick him the ball. Kicker Ethan Sanchez returns for his sophomore year after hitting 10/13 field goals and all 28 PAT’s. Punter Ethan Duane was third team All-SBC and returns this season. The only sore spot last year was punt returning yards. They also lose long snapper BR Hatcher who has signed with the Green Bay Packers, but most of the unit remains intact. Overall, ODU’s special teams is one of the best in the Sun Belt.
Final Word
The defense may look like it was gutted at first glance but it actually brings back a lot of talent and experience. Cornerback has questions and quarterbacks Grayson McCall and Darren Grainger may be a challenge for the secondary. Further, Seiler has to fix the run defense which was one of the Sun Belt’s worst last year. But this defense has fewer questions than the offense. Jason Henderson will continue to build his resume for the NFL, the defensive line will have a playmaker or two arise and safety Terry Jones will get a lot of tackles and hopefully interceptions. The defense should be relatively solid.
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