ODU Hitting Area Hard, Offers Wise Lineman

Old Dominion has 17 local players on its roster as it prepares for its return to the football field, and it's hoping for more. The latest player to get an offer from the Monarchs is Wise defensive lineman Charles Owens (6 feet 1, 300 pounds).

Wise wide receiver Trevon Butler already has committed to Old Dominion and defensive end-tight end Rahsaan Moore holds a scholarship offer from the Monarchs.

Monarchs Coach Bobby Wilder has made it clear how important recruiting will be for his team's building process -- and the team's Web site demonstrates this, listing each assistant coach's recruiting areas, to include all 50 states. For instance, offensive coordinator Brian Scott is responsible for the Interstate 81 corridor from Harrisonburg, Va., to I-66; Tampa; and the "auxiliary areas" of California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Nevada and Arizona.

Of course, transfers and junior college players make up a sizable portion of the Old Dominion roster, with 25 team members having attended another college.