BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer
SCOTT PILLING staff Monmouth University quarterback Brian Boland fires a pass during a drill at a recent practice in West Long Branch. Kevin Callahan doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that the Monmouth University football team’s expectations for 2006 are high.
For good reason. The Hawks, 6-4 in 2005, return eight starters on both offense and defense, plus they are coming off a very strong recruiting class that will provide the team with added depth.
The team kicks off the 2006 campaign on Saturday in New York City against Fordham University. The home opener is at Kessler Field in West Long Branch on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. against Morgan State University.
“We have a very solid group of experienced players on both sides of the ball,” he said. “They are talented and have experienced success.”
The 2006 team didn’t spend their time reading the past press clippings during the offseason.
“They reported back in shape, well-conditioned and ready to go,” the coach said.
Besides talent and experience, Callahan and his coaching staff have a very hungry group of veterans. After winning the Northeast Conference title in 2003 and 2004, they slipped to second place behind co-champions Stony Brook and Central Connecticut State. That has not sat well with the Hawks.
“They are motivated to get back to the top,” the veteran coach noted. “They expect a lot of themselves.”
Monmouth’s optimism begins with the return of four-year starting quarterback Brian Boland. The Brick Memorial grad set single-season school passing records last year for pass completions (188), passing yards (2,334), total offense (2,518) and touchdown passes (21).
“Brian is a proven leader and winner,” said Callahan.
Boland will have his favorite receiver returning in Adam San Miguel (St. Peter’s Prep) and tight end John Nalbone (Lawrence). Nalbone is one of three Hawks to garner preseason I-AA Mid Major All-American honors.
Shane Sharpley (Lawrence), who saw playing time last year, is expected to play a bigger role this fall.
The team’s experience doesn’t stop with the passing game. Running backs Robert Lutz (Trinity) and Walter Carter (Salem) also return.
The big reason why Monmouth’s skill players have been able to be so productive begins up front with the offensive line. The Hawks return four starters there in Jonathan Dunn (Washington Township), Nick LoCastro (Gateway), Tom Mauro (Middletown South) and Matt Connolly (West Milford).
“If there is an area where you need continuity, it’s on the offensive line,” said Callahan. “We’re very happy with them.”
Monmouth can run and throw the ball with equal effectiveness due to the offensive line’s balance. Callahan expects this team to score this year.
“We have the opportunity to be explosive and put points on the board,” he said. “I like sustained drives that move the chains and get first downs. But we can make the big play as well.”
While the offense has the ability to put points on the board, the defense has an equal propensity for keeping points off it.
The defense is led by another preseason All-American, linebacker Mike Castellano (Freehold Township). Castellano was a second-team All-American last year when he led the team with six quarterback sacks and tackles for a loss, 12 (for -73 yards). He was second on the team with total tackles with 70 and had three pass interceptions.
Monmouth’s linebacking corps returns intact with Anthony Addonizio (Holmdel) and Mike Nunziato (Paramus Catholic) returning alongside Castellano.
The defensive line is loaded with experience with Erik Yngstrom (Freehold Township), Brian Sweeney (Cherokee), Dan Sizelove (Brick Township) and Chris Reed (York Catholic, Stewartstown, Pa.) all back.
Last year’s leading tackler, Matt Hill (Hopatcong), who had 82 stops, heads the secondary.
David Jiles (Paulsboro) and Jamaal McClintock (Plainfield) were not starters last year, but are nevertheless very experienced.
“It’s an aggressive defense,” noted Callahan.
Balance is the key to the defense, like the offense. The Hawks are good at stuffing the run and pass defense, and they can put pressure on a quarterback.
Monmouth’s kicking game is solid as well. Punter Sean Dennis (Holy Cross) is the third Hawk to receive preseason All-American recognition. He averaged 40.6 yards per kick in 2005 and has three of the top six single-season punting averages in school history.
Callahan would take another season like 2005 from place-kicker Fred Weingart (New Egypt). All he did was go 30-for-30 in point-after attempts and 9-for-11 in field goal attempts.
The Hawks don’t seem to have a weak link anywhere as they look to regain the NEC title.
Among the freshmen who could make contributions this year are Joe Cella (Jackson Memorial), Joe Arneth (Jackson Memorial) and Jeff Brady (St. Francis Prep, East Aurora, N.Y.) on defense, and Nick Romeo (Wayne Hills), Shawn Wright (Dematha, Fort Washington, Md.) and Brian Callahan (Don Bosco Prep) on offense.
A check of the team’s roster lists players from Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. In addition to keeping the good players from the Jersey Shore home, Callahan is making inroads recruiting regionally.