The Monarchists • ODU Alumni Spotlight

Coach Robbie Duncan

From a walk-on lineman to head football coach — Robbie Duncan sits down with the Monarchists Podcast

ODU alum Robbie Duncan — CAA champion, former walk-on turned full scholarship starter, and current head football coach at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy — joins The Monarchists Podcast for one of our most entertaining conversations yet. Whether you bled blue and silver during the early ODU days or you just love a great football story, this one is worth your time.

Here's a taste of what's in the full interview:

The Walk-On Who Earned It All

Duncan walked onto ODU's brand-new program under Coach Bobby Wilder with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He went on to start, earn captain honors, and win a CAA championship ring — never losing to James Madison. He tells the full story of how he got there, including a phone call from Wilder that came while he was on vacation at the Outer Banks, and a moment in a team meeting with Brian "B-Mo" Morrison that he says he will never forget.

That Offensive Line Was Different

Duncan breaks down what made that early ODU offensive line — Hensley, Jensen, Cameron, Morrison, Owens, Carr — so dominant, including a specific play from the Jacksonville game that perfectly captures who they were. He also lets you in on the "Prick of the Week" T-shirt tradition that the linemen competed for every Sunday morning. You'll want to hear who he thinks won the most.

The Impressions Are Very Good

At the request of John Plisco and Jarod Brown, Duncan pulls out his impressions of Coach Wilder, offensive line coach Brian "Bro" Scott, and Coach Bill Dee. If you spent any time around those coaches, you will immediately recognize all three. Watch the full episode to see them.

Building Something Real at NSA

After six years on the Western Branch staff, Duncan took over at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and went 7-4 in his first season. Last year the Saints reached the state semifinals. He talks about how he builds culture, why he thinks private school football in Virginia is underestimated, and what "raise the stakes" means for his program heading into this season.

How He Met His Wife (It Involves a Dented Car)

Duncan tells the story of meeting his wife Kelly — and it involves a gym parking lot in Chesapeake, a fender bender, and a connection between their families that neither of them saw coming. It's one of those stories that sounds made up. It is not.

Watch the Full Episode Above

There's a lot more in the full conversation — including a zombie apocalypse question, his weight room playlist, NSA's pregame pig pickin' tradition, and a message to Monarch Nation that's worth hearing. Hit play and enjoy.

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