Monmouth U. football 2024: Revamped roster, staff the fresh start Hawks need

The renewed sense of optimism that permeates the Monmouth University football program was on full display during Wednesday’s virtual Coastal Athletic Association Media Day.

With the opening of summer camp a week away, a group of talented youngsters are set to move up the depth chart and blend with a collection of experienced transfer portal pickups in what amounts to a major roster refresh, along with a revamped coaching staff on the defensive side.

The result is a different vibe after going 4-7. A new outlook. And it’s exactly what the program needs right now.

“I think first and foremost, this team is very hungry,” said head coach Kevin Callahan, entering his 32 ^nd season. “We’re a program that’s used to being successful. We know we haven’t been as successful as we want to be the last two seasons so there is a hunger that drives them each and every day.

“I’m excited about what’s going to happen when we start playing this fall.”

The program owes a debt of gratitude to a group of players, including a pair of first team All-Americans, who slugged it out on the field during the Hawks’ first two seasons in the CAA, taking their lumps while laying a strong foundation.

But now Monmouth must replace 16 starters, including big-play running back Jaden Shirden, with the Carolina Panthers, and record-setting receiver Dymere Miller, who transferred to Rutgers, along with 75 percent of their offensive production from a year ago.

It means a lot of opportunities for playing time everywhere, including for the 10 transfer portal additions who replace the 10 that left.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the season coming up,” said quarterback Derek Robertson, who threw for 2,933 yards and 25 TDs for Maine last season, and whose older brother, Jimmy, is Monmouth’s passing game coordinator.

“I can’t wait to be a part of winning games here this fall.”

The league’s coaches had their say Wednesday when the preseason poll was unveiled, with Monmouth picked to finish 10 ^th in what will be a 16-team league this season. And no Hawks were on the All-CAA Preseason Team. Robertson and receiver T.J. Speight were honorable mentions.

“There are some young guys who are going to be asked to step up,” Callahan said. “I think that is the exciting thing from a coaching standpoint. It’s also very exciting from a player standpoint. To know that you are going to have the opportunity to go out there and play and establish yourself as a starter and compete on a weekly basis, I think that is exciting  - I’m excited to see them take the field and go play.”

Here’s a quick look at what’s going on on both sides of the ball for Monmouth, with the opening game on Aug. 29 at Eastern Washington.

OFFENSE

In Robertson , the Hawks landed a quarterback who has proven he can throw the ball, and he joins a backfield that includes returnee Sone Ntoh , an every-down back with big play and short yardage capabilities. Also returning in the backfield is junior Makhi Green , fifth-year Jamir Barnes and sophomore Rodney Nelson .

In addition to Speight , who caught 19 passes a year ago, returnees at receiver include junior Gavin Nelson and sophomore Josh Derry . Monmouth added Max James , a 6-3 receiver from Lackawanna who spent two seasons at James Madison, and has two years of eligibility remaining. At tight end, fifth-year senior Jack Neri leads an experienced group.

The offensive line is one of the biggest question marks heading into camp with the departure of four starters. Senior J.T. Cornelius from Southern Regional returns at right tackle, and the Hawks picked up Purdue transfer Andre Oben , a sophomore and the son of former Giants’ offensive lineman Roman Oben.  Beyond that, there should be a fierce training camp battle for playing time.

Figure Monmouth is going to be able to move the football. Even with the loss of Shirden and Miller, they should be able to piece together enough offense to be competitive in most games.

DEFENSE

Monmouth’s front seven looks like the strength of the defense as camp opens.

At linebacker, the Hawks return graduate R yan Moran and senior Remi Johnson . They’re joined by graduate transfer Earnest Howard , who made 133 tackles and had 8.5 tackles for losses in four seasons at Sacred Heart.   There’s also a cadre of linebackers fighting for playing time in Charlie Sasso, Sam Korpoi and Damir McCrary , all juniors.

Up front, Monmouth added graduate transfer Tyler Alson , a Preseason All-Patriot League selection with Bucknell last season who finished with 3.5 sacks, and Joel Parker from Kennesaw State. After that, the Hawks will rely on a group of players who have been in the program to make a big impact, including Miles Mitchell, who had 24 tackles last season, and Bryce Rooks, both starters last season, Justin O’Bannon, Sheku Tonkara, Isaiah Rogers and Chris King .

Safety Alex Odom is a transfer from Temple who was in on 199 tackles in four seasons with the Owls, and figures to step right into the starting lineup along with sophomore Deuce Lee, who had a standout freshman campaign. Villanova transfer Kshawn Schulters adds some experience at cornerback, while safety Justin Bennin and defensive back Kadeem McKnight each got playing time last season.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth U. football 2024: Revamped roster, staff the fresh start Hawks need