WEST LONG BRANCH – Led by All-American quarterback Derek Robertson, who was No. 1 in the FCS (1AA) in passing yards per game last season with 328.08 yards, third in total passing yards (3937) and fifth in passing touchdowns (31), Monmouth’s prolific offense finished ranked No.1 nationally in total offensive yardage per game (489.9).
However, even with an offense that was almost impossible to stop or even slow down last season, the Hawks won just six games to finish 6-6 for the season, tenth in the 16-team Coastal Athletic Conference. They did finish strong, though, winning their final two games of the season against No. 8 Villanova and No. 18 Stony Brook, but they gave up 33 and 47 points, respectively.
And therein lies the problem. The Hawks’ defense continually struggles to keep pace with its offense. It has its moments, but the lack of consistency is glaring. They just can’t get off the field. They repeatedly give up huge chunks of yardage after making a couple of nice stops, leaving it up to the offense to outscore its opponent. More often than not, the team with the ball last wins the game. Robertson is either playing catch-up or desperately trying to preserve a lead.
Monmouth’s defense ranked last (16th) in the Coastal Athletic Conference last season in passing yards allowed per game (264.3), 14th in total yards allowed per game (423.1), 14th in points allowed per game (33.5), and 15th in sacks (19) and forced fumbles (5), while intercepting just five passes all year.
Out of 123 FCS schools, Monmouth’s defense ranked 71st in third-down stops and 117th in fourth-down stops. Opponents scored 48 out of 55 times in the red zone for a success rate of .873 percent (97th), while finishing ranked 98th in total defense. Ouch!
Monmouth will once again have an elite offense this season, with the potential to be the best offense in program history and nationally ranked for the second straight season. Except for running back Sone Ntoh, the entire starting offense returns, including leading rusher Rodney Nelson, who rushed for 809 yards for a 6.1 yards per carry average last season.
Robertson’s return is monumental for the Hawks, considering we’re in the age of NIL money being handed out like candy, and the transfer portal turning into college football’s version of free agency. Robertson must be applauded for staying faithful to his school, coaches, teammates and fans when other schools undoubtedly put the hard press on him to transfer with lucrative offers.
Hopefully he’ll be rewarded this season for his selfless decision to return.
The upcoming football season has the potential to be one of the best in program history. But the offense can’t do it alone. They need help, they need the defense to step up and do its part by giving the offense some breathing room.
A total overhaul of the defense isn’t needed; some talented young players, including cornerbacks Israel Clark-White and Dana Johnson Jr. safety Deuce Lee, are ready to emerge. Five sophomores and a freshman either started or got substantial playing time in the secondary last season. They’ll be expected to take the next step with a year of experience under their belts.
Returning defensive starters such as end Miles Mitchell, third team All-CAA tackle Isaish Robertson, and linebackers Remi Johnson and Charlie Sasso need to take on leadership roles both on and off the field.
Four defensive starters entered the transfer portal and found new homes, which will hurt. Still, the Hawks countered by bringing in nine defensive players through the transfer portal, all of whom are expected to contribute immediately either as a starter or provide needed depth.
It should be noted that rosters are still fluid, with the spring transfer portal period beginning April 16 and ending April 25. So, there may still be some player movement during this period.
INCOMING PLAYERS THROUGH THE TRANSFER PORTAL:
Inumidun Ayo-Durojaiye – Yale University, 6-foot-0, 205 pounds, linebacker, one year of eligibility remaining. Second on the team with 58 tackles last season, including 36 solo stops. Added 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, one interception, FF and four QBH.
Giovanny Fabian – Delaware St., 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, defensive back, two years of eligibility remaining. 18 games played, 54 tackles, 41 solo, three PD, one FF, one interception.
Josiah Graham – Emory and Henry University, 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, DL, two years of eligibility remaining. Last season had 21 tackles, 10 solo tackles, five sacks, 6.5 TFL and two FF.
Brady Hock – Colgate, 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, LB, one year of eligibility remaining, fourth on the team in tackles last season with 60, including 27 solo stops along five TFL, one sack, two quarterback hits, FF and one interception.
Spencer Kishbaugh – Coastal Carolina (FBS), 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, LB. Played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman last season, primarily on special teams. Two-time All-State selection while at Berwick High School, Berwick, PA.
Elliot Porter – Pace University, 6-foot-0, 195 pounds, DB, two years of eligibility remaining. Fourth on the team in tackles last season with 45, including 25 solo tackles, one interception (four while at Pace), 1.5 TFL, three PBU, two FF and one FR.
Zack Ricci – Wagner, 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, DB, two years of eligibility remaining. 2024 Phil Steele second team All-NEC selection. Tied for the NEC lead in interceptions with four last season, along with 30 tackles, including 17 solo stops, four TFL and five PBU.
Ryan Russo – Iowa Central C.C. – 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, LB, two years of eligibility remaining. As a true freshman redshirted at Rutgers before transferring to Iowa Central. Recorded 41 tackles (fifth on team) last season, including 18 solo tackles, four TFL, one sack and FR.
Commencing April 1, the Hawks will hold their first of 14 spring practices and wrap it up April 27 with a Spring Showcase featuring a full squad scrimmage.
