Monmouth football transfer tracker: Jaden Shirden turning pro, declares for NFL Draft

Last week it was Monmouth receiver Dymere Miller entering the NCAA Transfer Portal after leading the FCS in receiving yardage and setting program records for receptions and receiving yardage in a season.

And Monday it was All-American running back Jaden Shirden, one of the final three in voting for the Walter Payton Award for the second straight year, announcing he was turning pro rather than returning for his final season of eligibility, having led all FCS backs in rushing yardage in each of the past two seasons.

Combined with the departure of graduate quarterback Marquez McCray, it means the offense that ranked in the top-10 nationaly for most of the season faces a complete rebuild during the offseason.

Over the past two season, Shirden rushed for 3,200 yards and 32 TD, going for 1,722 yards in 11 games in 2022. He regularly broke long TD runs, using his speed to slit defenses. He had 14 touchdown runs of 50 yards or more, and topped the 200-yard mark in a game six times.

It marks the second time in four years that a speedy Monmouth back has turned pro with a year of eligibility remaining. Pete "The Jet" Guerriero set a program record with 1,995 yards in 14 games in 2019, with four 200-yard games and an array of long TD runs, including a 95-yarder against James Madison in an FCS Playoff game. Guerriero spent time on the Jets and Carolina Panthers' practice squads, and played in the USFL earlier this year.

Miller indicated on social media Monday that he had already received offers from Rutgers, Texas Tech, FAU, Pitt, East Carolina and UConn.

In addition, Monmouth has lost starting cornerback Mike Reid, who enters the transfer portal, along with reserve offensive linemen Adrian Hawkins and Kyrik Mason, both rising seniors who had a chance to earn spots in the starting lineup.

Top FCS receiver Dymere Miller bolting

The first Hawk has flown the nest. And it's one of the most damaging departures possible.

Receiver Dymere Miller, who shattered program records for receptions in a season and receiving yardage, indicated on social media Tuesday night that he will be entering the NCAA Transfer Portal when it officially opens on Dec. 4.

With 90 receptions for 1,293 yards, which led the nation, and nine TDs, Miller, a slot receiver with the ability to stretch the field, finishes his Monmouth career with 168 receptions for 2,387 yards and 17 TDs. Miller is expected to draw significant interest from FBS programs.

Now Hawk Nation is holding its collective breath waiting on All-American junior running back Jaden Shirden, who topped the nation in rushing yardage for the second straight year, finishing with 1,478 6.7 10 TDs, after picking up 1.722 yards as a sophomore and finishing third in the voting for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the top offensive player in FCS football.

The loss of Miller is a big blow for the Hawks' offense, which ranked 13th nationally at 431.5 yards-per-game.

Monmouth will also be looking to add players in the coming Monmouth, and could be on the hunt for a quarterback. Marquez McCray, who started for Monmouth last season as a graduate transfer from Sacred Heart, is out of eligibility, Sophomore quarterback Enzo Arjona, who started the final three games of his freshman season, is still on the roster and is expected to get a chance to be the starter next season.

Another big loss for Monmouth is the departure of cornerback Mike Reid, who developed into a starter over the past two seasons, emerging as one of their top covermen in the secondary.

Tweets by MSR4six

Also announcing on social media that they will enter the transfer portal were a pair of offensive linemen in Adrian Hawkins and Kyrik Mason, both rising seniors who were expected to challenge for starting jobs next season.

Keep checking back during the offseason for more on Monmouth football's maneuvering, as the Hawks look to rise after a 4-7 season in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth football transfer tracker: Who's coming and going for Hawks?