Football 101: ODU Football Mega Camps

Note: This is a new series intended to assist fans in learning more about the basics of Old Dominion football and the game they play. Our goal is to give all fans a better understanding of the basics of our program, the offensive and defensive schemes and concepts and the verbiage used so they can further enjoy the program we're building at Old Dominion. Since this is an introductory level tutorial, it might not be for everyone. But we hope you enjoy it and appreciate our want to help educate the entire fanbase on the fundamentals of this game we all love. To see the prior edition of this series, click here.

By Justice

Have you ever wondered what goes on at a college football camp for high school players? Maybe you’ve seen the staff of Old Dominion University Football promoting their Mega Camps this summer and found yourself curious. Well, you’re in luck — we had the opportunity to attend the June 7th session of ODU’s Mega Camp, and we’re bringing you the inside scoop on what really goes down. 

A Glimpse Into the Future Players of College Football

ODU hosts several Mega Camps throughout the summer, drawing hundreds of athletes from across the region. The players in attendance range from incoming high school freshmen to rising seniors. Some of them are already committed to ODU, others are on the Monarchs’ radar, and many are there simply to sharpen their skills and get noticed.

These camps serve as both a developmental opportunity for athletes and a live evaluation platform for coaches looking to uncover the next standout. 

The Arrival: Registration and Measurements

The day starts early with player registration. After checking in, attendees move through a measurement station run by ODU football staff and current players. Here, they record vital stats like height, weight, hand size, and wingspan — key data that college coaches use in their evaluations. After that, it’s time to hit the turf at the L.R. Hill Sports Complex, where players are split into groups of around 30 for warmups and athletic testing.

Combine Time: Speed, Explosion, and Agility

Once warmed up, athletes rotate through a series of NFL Combine-style drills designed to test their raw athleticism:

• 40-yard dash – measuring straight-line speed
• Standing broad jump – gauging lower-body explosion
• 5-10-5 shuttle run – testing short-area agility and lateral movement

Pictured: A camper completes his 40 yard dash. Photo by Mike Langston

ODU staff and current players manage the timing and record results for each attendee on their individual player cards. These numbers help give coaches a quick snapshot of an athlete’s physical capabilities.

Position Work and Skill Development

After the combine portion, players are grouped by position: quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs.

The RBs at ODU's Mega Camp go through a footwork drill. Photo by Mike Langston

Each group then gets hands-on coaching from ODU’s position coaches and players while performing position specific drills. These drills focus on agility, footwork, technique, and position-specific fundamentals. It’s not just about raw speed or strength here — coaches are looking at mechanics, attitude, coachability, and football IQ.

The Real Action: 1-on-1 Matchups

One of the most exciting parts of the camp is the 1-on-1 drills. These simulate real game situations and give coaches an in-depth look at how players perform under pressure. Whether it’s wide receivers vs. defensive backs or our personal favorite linemen battles in the trenches — offensive line vs. defensive line — these reps bring out the competitive fire in everyone.

An OL and DL camper face-off in a 1-on-1 battle. Photo by Mike Langston

Coaching Beyond the Stopwatch

It’s important to remember: a single bad 40-yard dash time isn’t going to ruin anyone’s chances. Coaches understand that some players thrive in different areas. The ODU staff makes a point of encouraging and coaching every athlete throughout the day, helping them improve their form, approach, and mindset. The camp isn’t just about raw numbers — it’s about identifying potential and helping the attendees grow as football players.

ODU Head Football Coach Ricky Rahne addresses the campers. Photo by Mike Langston

Final Thoughts

ODU’s Mega Camps aren’t just recruiting events — they’re learning experiences, opportunities, and showcases all rolled into one. For many players, it’s the first real taste of a college football atmosphere. And for coaches, it’s a chance to spot the diamonds in the rough.