The culture Dawson Odums began instilling last year is producing many more smiles this season.

“So many guys have this great smile on our team,” the Norfolk State football coach said at MEAC Media Day Friday in Norfolk. “We work hard, but everybody’s happy to be there, and that’s the culture we’re trying to create from the beginning and we finally have.”

Norfolk State was picked by coaches and sports information directors to finish third in the six-team conference.

Entering his second season at the helm, Odums is overseeing a substantial transition this offseason to a team that’s made up mostly of players he brought in.

The demeanors and focus of those players is in tune ahead of training camp that begins Wednesday.

“I think you have a different level of anxiety,” said Odums, who was still getting to know people at this time last year. “It’s more comfortable, more understanding and you gain more knowledge, so it gives you the opportunity to be more successful. I really like the way we built relationships with this core group of guys.”

Players feel a change, too.

“I think we don’t got no more complainers,” redshirt senior center Colby Byrd said. “We love to work and we want to work every day.”

Norfolk State went 6-5 overall last season and 2-3 in the MEAC in a disappointing finish with a veteran group. But Odums isn’t changing his philosophy with this group; consistency is key.

“I always look at this from a landscape of business,” Odums said. “Fortune 500 companies have dividends. Sometimes they’re up, sometimes they’re down. Do you change everything when they’re down? No, you do an evaluation but you’re who you are from the core. The process is gonna yield results.”

That process includes more time in the weight room, and some hesitant players dove in to the grind.

Wide receiver Da’Quan Felton, poised to be a top target, has surprised Odums.

“I think he’s ready,” Odums said. “Just to see his body from when I first got here to now. Now he’s talking about his bench-press numbers. First of all, he didn’t even care about the weight room before. Now he’s talking about getting in the weight room, so the culture is taking place.”

As for who will throw the ball to Felton after the graduation of Juwan Carter, Odums provided a barebones update.

“Yes, (quarterbacks) report Aug. 3. They’ll be here competing at a high level,” Odums deadpanned before flashing a smile.

Redshirt sophomore running back J.J. Davis looks to match his breakout season when he scored 11 touchdowns. He was named the preseason offensive player of the year.

“I think the offense we’re running is suited for his talent,” Odums said. “I’m glad he’s playing for Norfolk State.

The Spartans’ defense returns all its starters at linebacker, cornerback and safety, including veteran linebacker Marquis Hall, a preseason first-team All-MEAC pick. Byrd and corner Brandon Savage were also named to the first team.

“I love to lead and I think guys are drawn to me,” Hall said. “I’m not gonna let them down.”

The defensive line could see retooling following the graduation of De’Shaan Dixon and Chris Myers on the edge, but Odums is confident in the depth of that position group.

Even before training camp starts, Byrd is itching for the season opener at Marshall on Sept. 3.

Anticipation “is through the roof,” the former Landstown High standout said. “I just can’t wait to go hit somebody, get out there against a different color jersey. Can’t wait for it.”

Ray Nimmo, ray.nimmo@pilotonline.com

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