Counting heads

    For those trying to keep track of what ODU is bringing in with this recruiting class, here's a list of players who have either joined the program at the start of classes in January or have committed to signing on Feb. 3:

   Ronnie Cameron, 6-3, 295, Jr., DT (Holy Trinity, Hicksville, N.Y./Hofstra): The fire sale at Hofstra after the program was cancelled turned up this gem. Already enrolled in classes.

   Dominik Davenport, 6-1, 264, R-Fr., DT (Phoebus High, Hampton, Va./West Virginia): A transfer from West Virginia, Davenport didn't fit the mold with the Mountaineers' 3-4 defensive alignment. Hopes are that ODU's 50 defensive set will suit him better. Joined program this month.

   Deron Mayo, 5-11, 214, Sr., DE (Kecoughtan High, Hampton, Va./Hofstra): Older brother Jerod Mayo was NFL defensive rookie of the year for New England Patriots last season. Also a Hofstra fire-sale special. Joined program this month.

   Jagger Blehm, 6-3, 240, DE (Green Run High, Virginia Beach): Popped up on the recruiting radars late after playing at a tiny high school in North Carolina. Move to Virginia Beach as a senior paid off.

   Dominique Guinn-Bailey, 6-4, 225, DE (Churchland High, Portsmouth, Va): He runs a 4.6 in the 40, which is crazy-good speed for his size. And he's got a motor that just keeps chugging.

   Darryl Brown, 6-0, 210, LB (First Colonial High, Virginia Beach, Va.): Monarchs thicken the pot at linebacker with a fast one.

   Kenny McAdow, 5-10, 220, R-Fr.,LB (Broad Run High, Ashburn, Va./Northeastern): Left Northeastern in fall after program was discontinued. Enrolled at ODU this month.

   Paul Morant, 6-0, 180, FS (Phoebus High, Hampton, Va.): Ever heard of the Phoebus Phantoms? They win state titles. Lots of them.

   Aaron Evans, 5-8, 170, DB (Woodside High, Newport News, Va.): Evans was the Peninsula District's first-team QB this season as he rushed, and passed, for over 1,000 yards. And he's going to play cover corner at ODU.

   Eriq Lewis, 6-0, 175, DB (Coolidge High, Washington, D.C.): The Monarchs dipped into the D.C. well two years ago and landed Craig Wilkins, who is now a captain on the team and holds down the strong safety slot. 

   Michael Justice, 6-7, 279, OT (West Springfield High, Fairfax, Va.): Can't coach size. You recruit size.

   Preston Smith, 6-3, 240, TE (Deep Creek High, Chesapeake, Va.): This guy has a fast-racing motor and the chance to perform at multiple positions for the Monarchs. Can play DE or OG as well.

   Dominique Blackman, 6-4, 240, Soph., QB (Carson High, Los Angeles, Calif./Los Angeles Harbor College): He could red-shirt if the Monarchs feel it's in everybody's best interest. But after passing for 3,711 yards and 35 TDs against nine interceptions this past fall, how does a guy like that sit? Look for him to compete with Thomas DeMarco for the quarterback slot. In fact, he already is in conditioning sessions.  

   Rashad Manley, 5-11, 170, QB (Bethel High, Hampton, Va.): Played quarterback for the Bruins for one year and that was enough for ODU to get a feel for how could he might be down the road. 

   Angus Harper, 5-11, 202, Fr., RB (Edison High, Alexandria, Va.): Spurned interest from Pitt and Boston College because the Monarchs told him he could play running back at ODU while others wanted him as a safety. He ran 210 times for 1,396 yards and 19 TDs as a senior. Harper graduated early and has already enrolled at ODU.

   Colby Goodwyn, 5-8, 190, RB (Phoebus High, Hampton, Va.): Ran for 1,869 yards and 31 TDs for unbeaten state champs. Enough said.

   Lyshod Graves, 5-7, 155, WR (Reidsville High, Reidsville, N.C.): Scored 21 times as a senior. Ran back five punts for TDs and three kickoffs for TDs. Lightning quick moves.

   Larry Pinkard, 5-11, 170, WR (Ballou High, Washington, D.C.): Popped up on the mild-interest lists of a lot of schools. ODU goes back to the D.C. well again.

   Prentice Gill, 6-1, 188, Jr., WR (Narbonne High, Los Angeles, Calif./Los Angeles Harbor College): Junior college target of QB Dominique Blackman. 

   Antonio Vaughan, 5-8, 150, WR (Hertford County High, N.C.): With 10 career interceptions and four returned for touchdowns, this is a pick-it-and-run guy who played defensive back in the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Game. He'll get a shot at wide receiver first for the Monarchs. 

   Jarod Brown, 5-11, 200, R-Fr., PK (Grafton High, Va./West Virginia): Kicked a 57-yard field goal in high school. Enrolled at ODU this month.

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