WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Monmouth University's football team wrapped up the 2024 spring practice season with more than 100 plays during its annual Blue-White scrimmage on Sunday afternoon at Kessler Stadium.

The event featured live music with support by DJ Bundie, a postgame autograph session and interactive promotions including two successful 20-yard field goals as part of Chick-fil-A's Kickin' for Chicken fan engagement competition.

Series-By-Series Notes
The Monmouth offense, led by Derek Robertson and wearing blue jerseys, marched down the field on the first possession. The drive was capped off by a three-yard Sone Ntoh touchdown run on third down.
 
A sack at midfield by Miles Mitchell ended the second series with Enzo Arjona at QB. A nice reception along the near sideline by Chris Kessler gave Monmouth a first down early in the possession.
 
The third series began with a 27-yard run by Makhi Green and was capped with a 50-yard field goal from Vincenzo Rea.
 
The highlight of the next possession was a pass breakup down the seam by Justin Bennin who dislodged Robertson's pass intended for Will Silverman.
 
The fifth series included two first down pickups on receptions by Josh Derry through the air. The series ended with a couple of offensive penalties and pressure in the backfield by Justin O'Bannon.
 
Frankie Savino came into the game at quarterback and he got the ball to TJ Speight on a fourth and five play. After Speight crossed the line to gain marker, the drive ultimately stalled.  
 
Savino continued as the quarterback and showed off both his rushing and passing ability. He had two nice completions, one for 19 yards to Silverman and one for 20 yards for a Derry score.
 
Robertson returned to quarterback in the next series which ended in the first interception of the game. Ryan Moran made an incredible play to tip a pass that was intercepted by Kadeem McKnight.
 
Next, a couple of nice runs by Rodney Nelson, including a 12 yard pick up for a first down, started the offensive possession. Robertson showed off his wheels with a 12-yard QB keeper but the defense held in the red zone when Bennin broke up a pass and Andrew Conklin came down with the tipped ball in the corner of the end zone.
 
Zack Hios came in at quarterback for two series late in the first half. The drives included three catches by freshman tight end Chase Wilkins who recently enrolled for the spring semester.
 
Robertson started the second half with a beautiful ball for a 42-yard Max James touchdown reception.
 
Two-minute drills and field goal situations ended the day, including a highlight-reel connection from Arjona to Tra Neal for six points.

Sone Ntoh, Makhi Green, TJ Speight, JT Cornelius, Ed Gatling, Remi Johnson, Kadeem McKnight, Damir McCrary, Justin O'Bannon and Justin Nyers each signed autographs for fans following the showcase.
 
Quotes
"I thought we made a lot of progress. A lot of young players without game experience got a lot of reps and that's going to pay dividends as we get into the fall. The spring allowed us to bring some of the young guys and backups along. I thought we showed the ability to make plays today. We held reps down on some of the known guys but it was good give and take. We got over 100 plays today. Justin O'Bannon showed his ability and quickness on the edge. Derek Robertson did a good job, this was the 14^th practice and he's slowly digesting the offense. Today, I thought the defensive guys looked like they are slowing getting comfortable. I like where we are."
- Head Coach Kevin Callahan

"I thought I had a good day, a good day on the pass rush. We got a lot of young guys on the defense and they like to make plays. I'm excited to see what we can do. It's going to take all of us, not just one.  I think we really got better every day during the spring."
- Fifth-year defensive lineman Justin O'Bannon

"There are going to be mistakes but everyone is flying around and having fun. We've got a great group of receivers and a lot of guys with speed who can catch the ball and I love throwing to them. I'm looking forward to working on the connections as we get into the summer and being ready to go for the fall. I love being behind our offensive line."
- Senior quarterback Derek Robertson

Up Next
On Monday, the Monmouth Digital Network will tape a Monmouth Football Spring TV Special, an hour-long television production that will feature an in-depth preview of the 2024 Hawks. The show will feature interviews with select student-athletes, along with head coach Kevin Callahan, offensive coordinator Jeff Gallo and defensive coordinator Lewis Walker.

The Monmouth Digital Network's broadcast crew of Matt Harmon, Emory Hunt, Eddy Occhipinti, Brandon London and Dominique Patrick will break down the program, introduce the newcomers, talk about the Hawks' 2024 non-conference and CAA schedules and preview the 2024 NFL Draft with an exclusive interview with Jaden Shirden. Follow @MUHawksFB on social media for information on air times through Monmouth's broadcast partners. Last season, Monmouth's home football games aired on FloSports, SNY and NBC Sports Philadelphia.