Three Monarchs secure Conference USA honors

NORFOLK — Three players who led an improved Old Dominion defense were honored Tuesday by Conference USA.

Cornerback Kaleb Ford-Dement, linebacker Lawrence Garner and defensive end Keion White were voted second-team all-conference by the league’s coaches.

Garner was second in C-USA in tackles (111) and tackles per game (9.3). Ford-Dement was second in passes defended with 15. White was fourth in tackles for loss per game (1.58).

ODU finished 1-11, but improved from 118th in the nation in total defense to 49th and allowed 100 fewer yards per game than in 2018.

ODU also allowed six fewer points per game, from 35.9 to 29.8.

Kick returner Blake Watson was voted to the all-freshman team. Watson, punt returner Darrell Brown, offensive lineman Isaac Weaver and defensive end Derek Wilder received honorable mention.

KAITLIN MCKEOWN/STAFF FILE Old Dominion’s Keion White, right, goes for a tackle against Florida Atlantic’s Malcolm Davidson on Oct. 26. White finished fourth in Conference USA in tackles for loss per game (1.58) and was voted second-team all-conference.