The 2011 season also brought a host of accolades for the program. In addition to 11 Monarchs being honored as All-CAA student-athletes, senior defensive lineman Ronnie Cameron was named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year. Cameron and punter Jonathan Plisco brought home numerous All-America honors and freshman quarterback Taylor Heinicke was the runner-up for The Sport Network’s Jerry Rice Award as the FCS’ top freshman and was honored as the College Football Performance Awards’ National Performer of the Year. Additionally, Wilder was named College Sports Madness’ National Coach of the Year and he finished third in voting for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year. Among all the FCS programs, Old Dominion finished in the top-10 in total offense, scoring offense, and net punting, while concluding the 2011 campaign in the top-20 in passing offense, turnover margin, passing efficiency, and sacks as well. Plisco continued to shine as one the country’s top punters ranking second in the nation and redshirt freshman Eriq Lewis tied for ninth among FCS defenders in interceptions. The Monarchs also continued to be the hot ticket in town finishing sixth nationally in attendance with capacity crowds at all seven home contests and extending its streak to 21 consecutive sellouts at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. The success of the 2011 campaign was due in large part to the foundation Wilder, the coaching staff, and the Monarchs laid in the second season of football in 2010.
The Monarchs, who upgraded their schedule in year two in preparation for joining the CAA, added a pair of ranked opponents in #12/13 William & Mary and #14/16 Cal Poly, and played their way to a 8-3 mark. Statistically speaking, the Monarchs finished their second season of gridiron action fourth in kickoff returns, ranked eighth in scoring offense, eighth in sacks allowed, and 15th in passing offense. Under Wilder’s tutelage, punter Jonathan Plisco ranked second nationally in punting, quarterback Thomas DeMarco continued to rank among the top 10 in total offense, newcomer Colby Goodwyn ran his way to third nationally in punt returns, and Ronnie Cameron pushed his way into eighth overall among FCS defenders in tackles for loss. Wilder and his staff’s inaugural season of play at the Football Championship Subdivision level went well beyond expectations. From the celebrated kickoff versus Chowan, to the heart pounding first FCS victory against Jacksonville, to ensuring a winning season at Savannah State, to extending the win-streak to six in the season finale at VMI, history was made every step of the way. The Monarchs concluded the 2009 season at 9-2 overall writing their way into history.
