Monmouth football: 5 transfers who could alter Hawks' trajectory in second CAA season

WEST LONG BRANCH – As Monmouth went through its first practice of the summer in full pads Monday morning, the Hawks’ level of talent at some important positions was on full display at Kessler Stadium.

But while the lineup includes the likes of running back Jaden Shirden and receiver Dymere Miller, two of FCS football’s most dynamic talents, the Hawks were a sub-.500 team for the first time since 2016 last season, while finishing ninth in their first CAA campaign.

Which is why an influx of transfer portal talent looms as the important classes in three decades of football, as the Hawks look to rise in the standings, return to the FCS Playoffs after a two-year absence and climb back into the national top-25.

“I think we have eight transfers that we brought in, and hopefully they can all bring something to the table,” said Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan. “Whatever it might be, you’re hoping they can be an immediate help, whether it’s as a starter or a key contributor. And based on what I’ve seen from all those guys I think they can do that.”

Here are five newcomers who could alter the trajectory of the program, beginning with a Sept. 2 opener at Florida Atlantic, and FBS foe.

1. Nick White, defensive end (Gannon)

Over the past 20 years, Monmouth’s only had one high level pass rusher, with Darnell Leslie (2013-16) finishing with 15 career sacks. That’s where graduate transfer Nick White, brother of Reggie White, the program’s all-time leading receiver, comes in.

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The 6-3, 260-pound end had 19.5 sacks in four seasons at Division 2 Gannon University, and has been impressive in training camp so far. If he can get to the quarterback and force defenses to devote resources to stopping him, it’s a big step forward for the unit.

“I think the coaches are letting the defensive linemen try to get to the ball some plays, stunt and just give different looks,” White said.

2. Jake Brown, linebacker (Harvard)

The New Jersey native and All-Ivy League selection last season looms as a key piece in a defensive reboot, after the Hawks finished last in the CAA in points and yards allowed. The 6-1, 230-pounder provides an experienced presence in the middle of the defense, leading a linebacking corps that includes junior Remi Johnson, senior Ryan Moran from Ocean and sophomore Charlie Sasso from Wall.

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Brown, who hails from Newton, finished with 44 tackles last season, playing in 30 games for Harvard during his four years.

3. Marquez McCray, quarterback (Sacred Heart)

While Callahan indicated he won’t be naming his starting quarterback until Saturday at the earliest, McCray is a graduate transfer who led Sacred Heart to a pair of FCS Playoff appearances, won three NEC titles and threw for 5,002 yards, with 26 TDs and 15 interceptions. It’s that experience that gives him an advantage over sophomore Enzo Arjona, who started the final three games last season.

There are big shoes to fill at the position, with Tony Muskett having transferred to Virginia, where he is expected to be the Cavaliers’ starter, beginning with the season-opener against Tennessee. And Muskett took over from Kenji Bahar, who rewrote the program’s passing record book and is currently with the Houston Gamblers of the USFL.

4. Sion Ntoh, running back (Harvard)

Shirden ran for an FCS-leading 1,746 yards on just 206 carries, averaging a best-in-the-nation 8.4 yards-per-carry. And keeping the speedster fresh by limiting his carries to about 20 per-game will be imperative.

Now Ntoh, a 230-pound back who flashed his speed on a long run during Monday's practice, is expected to fill the role vacated by Owen Wright, who served as both the short yardage/goal line specialist, as well as spelling Shirden for an entire series when necessary.

5. Ronan Patterson, punter (Ireland)

The kicking game was a problematic area last season, and now the Hawks must move forward without punter Ryan Kost, one of the top FCS punters who transferred to Delaware. Monmouth brought in a punter/kicker from Ireland, with Gaelic footballer Ronan Patterson giving the Hawks the option to use a rugby-style punt, becoming more popular because it’s difficult to both block and field.

Field position will be a key. And after getting a punt blocked and another returned for a TD last season, Patterson, at 6-3, 230, could be a difference-maker in his first season of American football.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth NJ football: Can transfers alter Hawks' trajectory?