Monmouth University football kicked off spring football on Sunday, March 30 in preparation for the 2008 season. Monmouth Head Coach Kevin Callahan and his staff will conduct 14 practice dates leading up to the annual Blue White Spring Game which will take place on Saturday, April 19th.
GoMUHawks.com will preview each position every few days, with the defensive line getting the spotlight in this edition.
DEFENSIVE LINE:
“Having to replace two of last year's three starters is not an easy task,” said head coach Kevin Callahan.”
Although Monmouth will have to replace defensive end starters Chris Reed and Vinnie Fonte, every one of the Hawks' returning defensive linemen have gameday experience, led by Second Team All-NEC selection Kevin Walsh. With only six healthy bodies in the spring, everyone has seen extensive time.
“Everyone came back stronger (from winter workouts) and has a better understanding of how to play college football after seeing game time on the fall,” said associate head coach and defensive coordinator Andy Bobik.
Walsh was fifth on the team in tackles a season ago, leading MU in tackles for a loss with 11. The junior looked impressive early in the spring, disrupting rushing plays with penetration on the first day of full contact. After suffering a minor injury forcing him to miss a few practices he was back on the field late last week. Junior David Kennedy had a breakout season in 2007, finished with 23 tackles while tying junior Troy Butler for the team lead in sacks. This spring Kennedy has shown that he can get penetration not only with power moves but also by using quickness when he needs to.
“Kevin is coming along fine,” said Bobik. “He has provided some consistency to the d-line by doing things right and always playing hard. “David [Kennedy] could develop into an all-league player if he is more consistent. He is a physical player who has shown the ability to be an impact player, he just needs to do it more regularly.”
“Overall the defensive-line is working hard and hopefully we'll be able to fill the defensive end spots left by Chris and Vinnie,” said Walsh. “I think both Culloo and Ogden are seeing more time now and they have gotten stronger in the offseason. They should play a valuable role this year with the experience they have gained from having a season under their belt.”
Every player is being asked to learn all of the positions on the d-line, so that Bobik can interchange them for the best possible outcome. Butler appeared in eight games last season but made the most of his time by registering four tackles for a loss including 3.5 sacks. Freshman Garrett Culloo mainly played inside during the 2007 season but like all the other players along the line will be asked to learn and play outside as well. Culloo appeared in six games as a true freshman, earning six tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. So far this spring Culloo registered a number of tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including a pair of would-be sacks during a full-contact team period.
Freshman Dave Ogden also returns after earning valuable playing experience as a rookie. Ogden is a physical player who is versatile enough to play either position along the line. During a team period last Tuesday, Ogden forced a loss five yard loss on a rushing play to set up a third and 10 for Monmouth's offense.
“Fortunately Kevin Walsh returns at tackle to bring leadership to the position,” said Callahan. “He had a good season in 2007 and we are expecting him to improve upon that in 2008.”
Brian Brikowski is an athletic player with great physical tools. The 6-4 freshman could develop into an impressive speed rusher for the Hawks as he continues to learn the schemes and the position.
“The defensive line has done a decent job this spring,” said Bobik. “We have six kids working hard, learning the defense. For the most part we have a veteran group with game day experience.”
Sophomore Jeff King will not compete during the spring after having successful surgery in the winter.
“After last year, we've gained a lot of experience as a group,” said Walsh. “As a defense we are tighter knit after playing a season together. It has been a productive spring for us.”
The Hawks have three more practices leading up to Saturday's Annual Blue/White Spring game. Kickoff on the 19th is set for 12 p.m.
