WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Three Monmouth University senior football players were named to the Sports Network's I-AA Mid-Major All-America team. Offensive lineman Matt Connolly (Hewitt, N.J./West Milford), linebacker Mike Castellano (Freehold, N.J./Freehold) and defensive back Matt Hill (Hopatcong, N.J./Hopatcong)

"It is a great honor for these three seniors," said Kevin Callahan, the 2006 Northeast Conference Coach of the Year. "All three of these players were an integral part of the team's success, not only this year but also in the last few seasons."

Connolly, a first team NEC selection, protected one of the nation's best passing offenses. Behind Connolly, the Hawks had the second best offense in the NEC in scoring and in yardage per game.

Castellano, a three-time All-Northeast Conference selection, finished second on the team in tackles with 77 stops, 46 of them solo. Castellano also finished with six tackles for a loss, two sacks and a trio of interceptions. The Freehold, N.J., native finished his career with 218 tackles and seven interceptions.

Hill was first on the Hawks in tackles with 85, which ranked seventh in the NEC. Hill's 265 career tackles ranks fourth all-time at Monmouth, while his nine career interceptions is third among all players to play for the Blue & White. The Hopatcong, N.J., native anchored a Hawk defense that finished 2006 ranked in the top-10 in the NCAA in four separate defensive categories.

The Northeast Conference had 13 players represented on the team. Before 2006, Monmouth has had six players total named to the team, with two players earning spots in both 2003 and 2005. A panel of I-AA/FCS media and sports information directors covering the 21 mid-major programs of the MAAC, NEC and Pioneer Leagues selected the team.

Monmouth wrapped up its season on Saturday, losing to San Diego in the Inaugural Gridiron Football Classic. The Hawks finished 10-2, including a 6-1 Northeast Conference mark, en route to earning their fifth NEC Championship. Monmouth finished second in the final Sports Network I-AA Mid-Major Poll.

Pictured: Matt Hill