WEST LONG BRANCH – Historic is a pretty strong word to describe anything, let alone an offense in football. But Monmouth’s offense checks all the boxes to refer to it in those terms if things go as planned. It just has to live up to its expectations for the upcoming season after a record-breaking 2024 season that showcased a virtually unstoppable offense.
And even though we’re in the age of the transfer portal, where NIL money is used to lure players away from their schools in college’s version of free agency, the fact that practically the entire starting offense returns, including All-American quarterback Derek Robertson, is in itself a statement.
“In today’s day and age, that’s definitely rare,” said Robertson, referencing the unanimous return of players on offense. It speaks volumes for this place. This group that we have, we’re all really close. We love each other, want to be together, and take this as far as we can.”
As spring practice winds down, all indications are that this year’s offense will take another step forward and has a chance to be even better than last year’s version. The Coastal Athletic Association has been warned.
Monmouth led the country in total offensive yardage per game last season (489.9 yards), was second in the country in scoring offense (39.0), and second in the country in passing offense (332.5 yards).
That’s a hard act to follow, but certainly attainable with the returning personnel and the motivation behind their return, a national championship.
Robertson, for one, could’ve easily taken his talents elsewhere with a lucrative deal, but decided to stay at Monmouth with his eyes on the prize.
“It just came down to really enjoying it here,” said Robertson when asked about his decision to return. “I love this place, and I want to win a championship here, and that’s what the decision came down to. Everyone wanted to stay and win a championship; we’re all in.”
With an offense as prolific as Monmouth’s was last season, one might wonder how the Hawks can top that.
“There are a lot of improvements we can make,” said Robertson, who passed for 3,937 yards (3rd in the FCS) and 31 touchdown passes (5th in the FCS) with only six interceptions. “We’re doing that now. We weren’t perfect last year and didn’t win enough games. All that matters is how many games you win; we want to win as many games as possible. So, we’re trying to improve in any area we can, and we will showcase that on Saturdays in the fall.”
Head coach Kevin Callahan expects the offense to be as dynamic as it was a year ago.
“Yeah, I expect them to be as good,” Callahan said. “I think the guys returning will be a year better, and the guys stepping in will be as good as those that played last year.
“Derek’s having a good spring; he’s doing everything we hoped and thought he would do this spring. He sets the standard for everybody on the offensive side, especially at the skill positions, and they all follow his lead, and he does a great job of it. He’s been more vocal this spring, and the players have responded. Let’s put it this way: the players know he’s a proven player; they know what he can do and what he can do for our offense.”
Monmouth finished 6-6 overall last season and 4-4 in the Coastal Athletic Conference. The Hawks had leads late in three games last season but let them slip away. They did finish strong, however, beating two ranked teams to finish at .500, and the hope is that the momentum will carry over.
“I hope so,” Callahan said when asked if he thought the momentum from those wins would carry over. “It’s hard to say where we’ll be when we play our first ranked team. But I like the attitude of this team. I like the enthusiasm they bring out to practice every day, and it’s a group that works extremely hard. They come out and practice with great effort every day. If we continue to do that, I hope we will be fortunate to put ourselves in a position to do something special this season.”
The Hawks’ top five leading receivers all return, including second team All-CAA selections Junior Josh Derry (60-917-5) and senior T.J. Speight (61-896-6). Speight was a second-team selection as a kick returner (16-346-1) and third team as a receiver. Juniors Gavin Nelson (35-643-3) and Tra Neal (34-490-7) and senior Max James (22-293-4) give the Hawks a phenomenal group of returning wideouts that should light up the scoreboard this season.
Graduate student tight end Jack Neri (32-329-5) was a 2024 CAA Honorable Mention selection. Neri is a prototype tight end who can block and has soft hands; expect him to have a big year. Junior Marcus Middleton (14-165-2) had a breakout season last year, and expectations are he’ll continue his climb.
Last season’s leading rusher, sophomore Rodney Nelson (133-809-6, 17-154) is back after being selected to Phil Steele’s third team Freshman All-American team and fourth team All-CAA. Speedy senior running back, Makhi Green, added 290 yards rushing on 55 attempts and nine receptions for 95 yards. He’s a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.
Bruising running back Sone Ntoh, who led the country in rushing touchdowns last season with 25, will be missed, but Monmouth recently got a commitment from 6-foot-2, 225-pound running back Mike Franklin. Franklin has FBS pedigree, having played at UTEP and Jacksonville State. He’ll complement Nelson and Green nicely and take on the short-yardage duties.
The offensive line lost a couple of starters, but there’s a lot of depth and experience returning. Second team All-CAA selection J.T. Cornelius will anchor the line along with Chris Moreno (10 starts), Shalik Hubbard (12 starts), and David Dutra (6 starts).
“It’s unbelievable, I can’t really ask for much more having all these guys back,” said Robertson. “They make me look good. We have unbelievable receivers and unbelievable tight ends. Our offensive line does an unbelievable job, and our running backs are unbelievable. Those guys make our offense what it is, and I’m lucky to be part of it.”
Monmouth wraps up spring practice this Sunday with its annual Football Showcase, open to the public.
