The Monmouth passing game will have a new look in 2009, with the Hawks returning just 45% of the team's receptions from a year ago.  A mix of seniors and underclassmen will have to step up at the position to help fill the void left by graduated seniors Chris Kiley and Steve Dowens.

"I think it is fortunate for us and for our offense that we have a very solid group of receivers returning," said head coach Kevin Callahan.  "Though none of them were true starters a year ago, many of them saw time on a regular basis and were really on the field quite a bit for us.  It is an extremely experienced group which gives us some different options."

"I think our expectations are pretty high," said receivers coach Terence Archer.  "We did lose quite a bit from last year with the loss of Chris Kiley and Steve Downs.  However, with Rodney (Salomon) and Nick (Romeo) coming back, I feel like those two guys have a chance to be one of the top receiving tandems in the conference.  They made a lot of big plays for us last year, both down field in the passing game and over the middle; they did a little bit of everything." 

Fifth year senior Rodney Salomon (Marlboro, N.J./Marlboro) showed the coaching staff what he could do late in the 2007 season, finishing with 15 catches including two for touchdowns.  The 6'-4", 235 lb receiver, provides a big physical target for the MU quarterbacks and is looking forward to the chance to step into a starting role.

"I just want to win, to get that ring is my main goal," said Salomon. "If that means blocking on special teams or catching the ball, I just want to help this team win."

MU's other fifth year wideout, Ron Lauch (Wall, N.J./Wall), also boasts a big frame at 6'-6", 230 lbs.  Lauch suffered a season ending injury in '07 and was not fully healthy during the 2008 campaign.  With his on-field leadership and knowledge of the offense, Lauch 's role could prove pivotal.

Slated to start alongside Salomon is junior Nick Romeo (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills), who enjoyed a breakout season in 2008.  Romeo finished second on the team in reception yards and third on the team in total receptions while proving to be dangerous as a punt returner.  Romeo reported to camp bigger and stronger after being sidelined most of the spring with an injury.

One player who has made an impression on the coaching staff has been sophomore Alex Laipple (Moon, Pa./Moon Twp.).  Laipple vaulted himself on the two-deep after a great spring ball effort.  He has improved his knowledge of the offense, allowing Archer and offensive coordinator Scott Van Zile to move him around to a number of spots on the field.

"He did not come to camp and our team with awful lot of fan fare but he is an extremely hard worker," said Callahan. "He pays attention to the details of his position, so from an assignment standpoint, he is very good.  Because he has trained so hard and developed his body in such a great way, he is shown that he can help us physically as well."

Lauch, Salomon and Laipple were regulars at Kessler Field all summer long, working on routes and timing with junior quarterback Andrew Mandeville (Hazlet, N.J./Raritan).

"I was out here with Alex and Rodney all summer, we had a chance to work on timing and get familiar with Mandeville," said Lauch.  "I think the extra work is really going to help us.  I was on the 2006 team that won the conference championship and my main goal is to win the NEC."

Another player who has improved his spot on the depth chart since the conclusion of last season is redshirt freshman Darvin Henderson (Ewing, N.J./Ewing).  Henderson, who has made some highlight reel catches during the spring and preseason camp, gives the Hawks speed on the outside and big playmaking ability.

"Darvin has done some nice things this preseason and that has come as little bit of a surprise for us," said Callahan.  "We always knew he had the potential to do it and now he is putting performance where previously it was potential."

Redshirt freshman Josh Vallejos (Springfield, Va./ West Springfield), who should see time on the field this season, is a shifty slot receiver that has no problem catching balls in traffic and going over the middle.

"Ronnie (Lauch), Alex (Laipple), Josh (Vallejos), and Darvin (Henderson), those guys really came along way this camp," said Archer.  "We can move them around a little bit and we are feeling pretty good about the whole group."

Throw into the mix converted quarterback Ryan Folsom (Somerdale, N.J./Triton Regional), JMU transfer Keith McPherson (Ocean, N.J./Ocean/James Madison) and sophomore Ibraham Fall (Staten Island, N.Y./Moore Catholic) and this receiving corps could be deeper than they look at a first glance.