The backbone of any offense is the line and the Hawks are no exception. MU returns four starters from an impressive unit a year ago, while the search for a replacement for current Miami Dolphin tight end John Nalbone still continues.
"Last year's offensive line was extremely successful and allowed us to have an explosive run game, which was evidenced by what Sinisi was able to accomplish," said head coach Kevin Callahan. "Having four starters back is certainly a positive for our offense; it is a veteran group that has experienced success on the field."
One consistent part of Monmouth football has been the legacy of outstanding offensive linemen. The Hawks have boasted at least one First Team All-Northeast Conference offensive lineman dating back to the 2003 season, earning three first team selections in '08. Two of those three, Kevin Sterling (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) and Shawn Wright (Fort Washington, Md./DeMatha Catholic), return to anchor the right side of the line this season. The four returners allowed just nine quarterback sacks in 2008 and paved the way for running back David Sinisi's record setting season.
"It is a major benefit for us any time you return guys along the offensive line," said offensive line coach Brian Gabriel. "We feel good about that, we have four of five coming back and the fifth guy [Murphy] who has earned the spot is doing a very good job. "
Sterling, a fifth year senior tackle, and Wright, a 6'-2" 295 lb. guard, were both named captain after spring ball. After the 2006 season, Sterling moved from the tight end position to right tackle and has started every game since. Wright, who has the ability to play multiple positions along the line, has started 21 consecutive games at guard for the Blue & White.
Wright is excited to be named captain and feels his role will change both on and off the field.
"It is good to see that my teammates voted me as a captain, that they see me as a leader on the team," said Wright. "I like to feel that I am a leader and I would like to take the team to the proper direction so we can get some wins. I always try to bring some energy and enthusiasm to the team but it just is more enhanced now. I feel like it is a duty of mine."
Andrew Musick (Ewing, N.J./Ewing) returns for his fifth year after starting every game for the Hawks during the last two seasons. Junior Joe Hurley (Medford Lakes, N.J./Shawnee) also returns at the left guard position after starting 11 contests a year ago. Redshirt freshman Mike Murphy (Toms River, N.J./Toms River), who has yet to play a game, will replace two-time all-conference selection Nick LoCastro at the all-important left tackle position.
While depth along the o-line in general is never as deep as any coach would like, sophomore Jim Sullivan (Manasquan, N.J./Manasquan) and redshirt freshman Dino Molina (Gaithersburg, Md./Damascus) continue to improve and could see time on the field in 2009. Senior Derek Rosinski (Tonawanda, N.Y./Tonawanda) has the ability to play a number of positions along the line, providing valuable depth at either tackle or guard.
In addition to the returning starters and backups, the coaching staff signed five offensive linemen in the '09 recruiting class. This crop, which averages 6'-4", 289 lbs, could prove to be one of the best classes when all is said and done.
"It is an extremely talented group that we've brought in on the o-line," said Callahan. "They have the size and frames that we look for in offensive linemen and we expect that they will have an impact on our offense and on our team fairly early in their careers."
A big part of the success of Sinisi will depend on the five up front, a job they are all willing to take on.
"We know Sinisi is going to give the extra effort to get extra yards or in the end zone," said Wright. "That just makes you want to stay on your block even longer."
Tight Ends
Only two of the six tight ends on Monmouth's roster have had any game experience. Competition is wide open to fill the depth chart and with the average height of the unit being 6' 3 ¼", 230 lbs, the unit could prove to be physical while athletic.
"Obviously replacing Nalbone will be a significant task and I don't know if we have anyone in the program at this point who matches what he was able to bring to our offense," said head coach Kevin Callahan. "However, we do have a talented but inexperienced group at the position. Mike Roeder and Ricky Burd have been on the field before in games but not as starters. Tyler George had an outstanding spring at the position and is playing very well this fall. We have a couple of new guys at the position, redshirt freshman Chris Luma and true freshmen Bertsen and McLafferty. They are all in different stages of development right now but I think it will be a solid position for us."
Sophomores Ricky Burd (Dumont, N.J./Dumont) and Mike Roeder (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) played in eight and nine games in '09 respectively, but neither caught a pass. With so much of the pass game going through the tight end position last season, someone will need to step up. The coaching staff has been impressed with the condition and work effort both on the field and in the weight room exhibited by the tight ends.
"It is a tough void to fill," said Roeder of Nalbone. "John [Nalbone] was so good and was such a big part of the offense that we were all trying to compete to see who gets the spot."
Tyler George (Berkeley Heights, N.J./Gov. Livingston) and Chris Luma (Edison, N.J./Bishop Ahr), two redshirt freshmen, will also be looking to make an impact this season. George was a quarterback in high school and needed last season to get used to blocking and the physical style of play that the position demands. Luma also used last season to learn the position and pick up the Hawk offensive scheme.
Like George, the two true freshmen tight ends played quarterback in high school and will need the 2009 season to adjust to playing on the line. Both Tyler Bertsen (Long Valley, N.J./West Morris) and Mike McLafferty (Morgan, N.J./War Memorial) have solid frames and good athleticism which should make the transition to tight end a little easier.
"They [the tight ends]came in great shape, we are the strongest we've been," said tight ends coach Jeff Gallo. "We're not looking to replace John [Nalbone], we need to be consistent on every play. On every snap we want to know what we're going to get."
