WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Monmouth University's Football team wrapped up the spring 2019 on Sunday afternoon with a practice that featured a full team period with officials.
"I thought today was a good end to a very good spring," said Monmouth Head Coach
Kevin Callahan. "Our guys came out to every single practice with a lot of the energy, every day was good. We are not where we need to be yet, where we want to be. There are still some positions that are up in the air but I like the progress we are making and the work ethic and mindset that these guys come to practice with every day."
Final Practice Highlights
- First team defense didn't allow a touchdown
- Rising junior wideout Joey Aldarelli scored a pair of TDs, the first on a pass over the middle in which he broke a pair of tackles. Later in the practice he caught another ball over the middle for a score
- Matt Castronuova had the day's only turnover, snagging an interception on the right hash
- Monmouth's potent triple headed rushing attack of Devell Jones, Pete Guerriero and Juwon Farri all took reps. James Fara also carried the ball for the Hawks.
- As he has all Spring, Zach Tredway made a couple of impressive grabs including one on the sideline where he looked to be completely covered.
- Max Smyth scrambled around the right side for a TD and also threw the first TD to Aldarelli
- The defensive line continues to improve and could prove to be one of the most talented groups in recent history – all before the majority of incoming freshman arrive.
- Erik Massey had an outstanding practice, recording a pair of sacks and stopping a pair of runs in the backfield
- Kahari Scarlett recorded two sacks and a number of hurries on the day
- Senior Brandon Batts made an impressive over the shoulder catch on the sideline on a ball that the wind took almost out of bounds
- Jarred Pershyn hit Tredway on slant for a touchdown
Position Switches
- A number of Hawks were in new positions this spring
- James Fara, came in as a QB then moved to WR and ended up for now at RB when the position was plagued by minor injuries
- TE German Pimental moved from tight end to defensive line
- Matt Griffin moved from defensive back to linebacker
- Mike Warren took majority of reps with the defensive line after playing linebacker last year
Big Saturday for NFL Hawks
- Reggie White Jr. signed a priority free agent deal with the NY Giants
- Jake Powell signed a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints
- More information can be found here
Important Multimedia Links
Q&A With Sophomore Safety Anthony Budd
Heading into your third year, do you feel more comfortable?
AB: I definitely feel more comfortable, having the defense down pat, I can help the young guys.
You guys were so young as a defensive back field last season, how has playing together helped?
AB: I feel like everyone is going to play well together, having that history of us played together last year and the year. We should be real comfortable playing together.
What are your goals as a unit?
AB: To be the best defensive backfield in the FCS.
Who is one guy defensively who has impressed you, someone who has taken a big step this spring?
AB: Hasan Chambers, he knows the defense better, he's flying around, not thinking too much.
One guy on offense you love to compete against every day out on the field
AB: Definitely
Juwon Farri, I would say Terrance Greene and Lonnie Moore of course.
