MU linebackers

Funny you should ask as the story for Friday is on LBs Anthony Addonizio and Erik Yngstrom and the defense...
Here are some quotes from Kevin Callahan on the two players that we couldn't squueze into the paper ...
"Anthony is one of those guys who worked very hard to get where he is now,'' said Callahan. ""That first year in the off season, in the weight room, he put on a lot of added strength and some additional weight.
""He's one of those guys who concentrated on what he needs to do to be successful. We're very happy he chose to come back for his fifth year.
""I think he'll not only provide some outstanding play to our defense but some great leadership as well.''

Callahan on Yngtsrom
""The last couple of years he's proved he's not just a pass rusher but a well rounded defensive lineman,'' said Callahan. ""His quickness gives him an advantage over many offensive tackles. He's an intelligent player and really fits in well with our scheme.''

I feel linebacking should be a strong point with Mike Castellano in the middle joined on the outside by senior Mike Nunziato and junior T.J. Cerezo who cut his eye teeth last season. Behind them however..depth is young and very unproven though I know the coaches loved Jeff Brady from upstate New York who is listed as Nunziato's back up. Joe Cella (Jackson) I thought had some good moments in pre-season and is listed behind Addonizio.

WMCX to do football preview show Saturday

WMCX (88.9FM), Monmouth U. radio, is doing an NEC football Season Preview show starting at 5 pm Saturday according to Rkomo at the station. It can be heard over the air or on sportsjuice.com or at wmcx.com/listenlive.

Monmouth U. upcoming football stories/ directions to Fordham/and new home for hoops to receive approval?

Heading over to Monmouth U. football practice Wednesday to talk to some of the players and coach Callahan for the preview story and the advance story on the Fordham game. The preview story runs Friday in the Press and the game advance Saturday. Getting a tad concerned over the tropical storm which could turn Saturday into a wet, rainy mess. Only thing worse than driving to NYC is driving there in rain and or snow.

Here's an interesting stat I researched today...of Brian Boland's 44 TD passes the last three years 26 went to (guess who?) Miles Austin of course....that's 60 percent. So we'll see how the MU passing game adjusts with no Miles.


Here are directions to the game from the Fordham sports information director:
From the George Washington Bridge: Off the bridge, take the exit for theHenry Hudson Parkway North (1st exit from the Bridge). Follow the HenryHudson Pkwy North to Exit 24, Mosholu Parkway. Stay on the Mosholu Parkwayto the end (the New York Botanical Garden will be in front of you). Take aright onto Southern Boulevard. Fordham's main entrance is at the thirdlight. Turn right into campus.

Hoops news
Thursday night there could be approval coming from West Long Branch for the new Monmouth U. Athletic complex which will be home to the men's and women's basketball teams. If not this month than probably next month barring some unexpected local objections. After that it's about a 2-3 year project.

Monmouth U. upcoming football stories/ directions to Fordham/and new home for hoops to receive approval?

Heading over to Monmouth U. football practice Wednesday to talk to some of the players and coach Callahan for the preview story and the advance story on the Fordham game. The preview story runs Friday in the Press and the game advance Saturday. Getting a tad concerned over the tropical storm which could turn Saturday into a wet, rainy mess. Only thing worse than driving to NYC is driving there in rain and or snow.

Here's an interesting stat I researched today...of Brian Boland's 44 TD passes the last three years 26 went to (guess who?) Miles Austin of course....that's 60 percent. So we'll see how the MU passing game adjusts with no Miles.


Here are directions to the game from the Fordham sports information director:
From the George Washington Bridge: Off the bridge, take the exit for theHenry Hudson Parkway North (1st exit from the Bridge). Follow the HenryHudson Pkwy North to Exit 24, Mosholu Parkway. Stay on the Mosholu Parkwayto the end (the New York Botanical Garden will be in front of you). Take aright onto Southern Boulevard. Fordham's main entrance is at the thirdlight. Turn right into campus.

Hoops news
Thursday night there could be approval coming from West Long Branch for the new Monmouth U. Athletic complex which will be home to the men's and women's basketball teams. If not this month than probably next month barring some unexpected local objections. After that it's about a 2-3 year project.

Miles Austin makes another cut

At Parcells press conference today he announced some more cuts...Miles still there. Dallas is down to 70 players...maximum NFL roster is 53.

I say he makes the five-man practice squad.

e-mail tonygsports@aol.com

Looking at the Rams

Wanted to resend this enabling comments, giving it a title, and include my e-mail


Thought MU football fans may find this interesing. Here is the season outlook that appears on the Patriot League web site for Fordham which was picked fifth in the seven-team league. Note that former CCSU coach Tom Masella is the new boss so he knows all about MU and MU all about his approach as well.On the surface appears Hawks certainly appear to have a shot....
Monmouth plays at Colgate later this season which is the defending PL champs, which CCSU defeated last year.

.Two Shore Conference kids..... Sr. WR Anthony Myers (TR North) and LB/DE Fr. Asil Mulbah (Jackson) are on the roster.

Fordham Outlook

There's a new head coach and a new enthusiasm at Rose Hill for the Fordham University football program in 2006. After leading Central Connecticut State to the Northeast Conference championship in each of the past two years, first-year Fordham head coach Tom Masella is hoping to bring the Rams back into contention for the Patriot League title in 2006. With the graduation of eleven starters from last year, Masella has his work cut out for him as he looks to fill the holes. But the good news for the new mentor is that three All-Patriot League selections return for the Rams in running back James Prydatko, linebacker Marcus Taylor, and placekicker Micah Clukey.Prydatko and Taylor, who were Second Team All-Patriot League selections last year, are returning fifth-year seniors who will bring experience to the squad.Here is a position-by-position breakdown for the 2006 Rams:


OFFENSE


Quarterback - The Rams hope that quarterback Derric Daniels returns to his sophomore form, the year he threw for 1,876 yards and 23 touchdowns, setting Fordham records for a first year player (he missed his freshman year with an injury). Last year, Daniels completed 114 of 234 passes for 1,176 yards and six touchdowns while also throwing 12 interceptions.Challenging Daniels will be senior Josh Arcadia and sophomore T.J. Jordan, neither of whom has seen varsity action, along with freshman John Skelton.



Running Backs - James Prydatko, who rushed for 1,022 yards last year, returns to handle the bulk of the rushing chores for the Rams in 2006. His 1,022 yards were the second best in the league as he became just the second Fordham running back on the I-AA level to rush for more than 1,000 yards. Prydatko, who was Fordham's top all-purpose yardage man last year, also caught 14 passes for 111 yards and returned eight punts for 25 yards and eight kickoffs for 150 yards.Joining Prydatko in the offensive backfield will be Jonte Coven and Henry Kirlew while Craig Stevens, Bo Marchand and Kenny Jones look to lead the rushing attack from the fullback position. Last year, Coven rushed 44 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns while also catching 12 passes out of the backfield for 73 yards. Kirlew, who saw action in six games last fall, gained 29 yards on eight carries while catching one pass for six yards, while Stevens picked up 26 yards on eleven carries and grabbed one pass for 11 yards.Freshman Larry Dortsch will give the Rams depth at running back while sophomore Mark Meehan and freshman Angelo Sabentico will provide the depth at fullback.


Tight Ends - Ty Hogan, who missed all of last year with an injury, returns to the tight end line-up as do Adrian Castro, Matt Graham and Kody Kritzer. Castro, who appeared in ten games last year, caught three passes for eight yards, while Hogan hauled in five balls for 47 yards in 2004. Freshman Mark Woznicki will also look for playing time at tight end in 2006.


Wide Receivers - Mike Melvin, last year's leading receiver, returns to anchor the Fordham receiving corps along with Sylvester Clarke. Last year, Melvin caught 24 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns while Clarke hauled in 16 passes, tied for second best on the team, for 122 yards.Also returning at wideout are Donovan Boyd, Richard Rayborn, Anthony Myres, Seth Anderson and Jeff Van Note.


Newcomers who will try to break into the line-up include freshmen Jason Caldwell and Asa Lucas along with Michael Shorter and Michael Shackleford.Offensive Line - The position that took the biggest hit from injuries last year was the offensive line. The good news about that was the experience gained by the underclassmen should aid the 2006 Rams. Returning starters on the line include right tackle Ricky Bencivenni, left guard Mike Breznicky and right guard Justin Sarabeaz. Breznicky will move to the center position in 2006 while Sarabaez is slated to start at tackle.Mike Nardone, who made the move from the defensive line to the offensive line prior to last year, and Anthony Silvestro return. Both sat out the 2005 campaign. The two are expected to fill the two tackle spots this fall while sophomore Ian Pace is expected to start at guard.Sophomore Joe Welton and senior Robert Fioravanti, who each missed time with injuries last fall, return as do senior Peter Jannen and sophomores Mike Andrews, Alex Brown, and Tom Wessel.Freshmen Amen Igbinosun, James Dunn and Bobby Reis are expected to find their way on the two-deep entering camp while freshmen Thomas Porto and Frank Rizzo will provide depth on the line.


DEFENSE

Defensive Line - Senior Jay Edwards is back to lead the defensive line in 2006. Last year, Edwards led the Patriot League with eight sacks while also recording a team-high 10.5 tackles for a loss. Also back is senior Eduardo Boza, who started every game at tackle for the Rams last year, compiling 26 total tackles including four sacks.Sophomore Ryan Mehra is scheduled to move from linebacker to starting defensive end for the Rams in 2006. Last year, Mehra made 39 total tackles, 25 solo, including 2.5 for a loss and one sack.Joining Edwards and Boza on the defensive line are seniors Cory Terzis, Hamilton Durandisse, Michael Techtmann and Marques Brown, along with juniors Bu Ogunsanya and Rich Cerullo and sophomore Greg DeMarco. Last year, Terzis made 20 total tackles, including three for a loss, while Brown finished with seven stops, including two for a loss.Andrew Tyshovntsky and Darzell Wright are two freshmen who are looking for playing time on the defensive line.


Linebacker - Marcus Taylor, a Second Team All-Patriot League pick last year who will lead the linebackers in 2006, led the Rams with 120 total tackles last fall, second in the Patriot League and eighth in the NCAA I-AA. Included in his 120 stops were six for a loss and one sack, while he also intercepted two passes and forced three fumbles.Senior Josh Jenrette also returns to his starting spot at linebacker. Last fall, Jenrette recorded 64 total tackles, third best on the team, including six for a loss and four sacks while also forcing two fumbles and intercepting a pass.Ryan Kleve, who went down with an injury in 2005, returns at linebacker after registering 33 total tackles last year, four for a loss, before suffering the season-ending injury.Also back at linebacker are juniors Dominique Owens and Jeb Bent, along with senior Dan Scillieri and sophomores Fonzie Culver, Klugy Mathurin, and Chris Cowan.Freshmen James Crockett, and Asil Mulbah are expected to fight for a place on the two-deep this fall while freshmen Joe Evans, Ryan Darcy, Ken Mahoney and Frank Curry will provide depth.



Defensive Backs - Senior Carl Garritano, who will miss the 2006 season with an injury suffered in the spring, was the lone returning starter from last year's defensive secondary, starting all 11 games at free safety. Last fall, Garritano was second on the team with 82 tackles, including three for a loss. He also broke up three pass and recovered three fumbles.Junior Raymond Loney returns and is expected to start at one corner in 2006 while junior Bruce Lee, who started six games last year and finished with 41 stops and a team-high seven pass break-ups, will start at the other corner.Junior Sam Orah, who appeared in all eleven games last year and made seven stops, and sophomore Ken Thompson will back-up Loney and Lee. Sophomore Matt Loucks, who appeared in eight games last fall as a freshman, and junior Earl Hudnell are expected to man the safety spots with back-up from sophomores Zach Dayton, who is moving over to the defensive backfield after playing at wide receiver last fall, and Nahom Kidanemarian.Other returning players who saw time in the defensive backfield last fall include sophomores Matt Donahue and Larry Rhea and junior Varron Knights. A number of newcomers could also see playing time in the defensive backfield this fall including freshmen Isiejah Allen, Brandon Brown, Kelvin Colbert, Chris Small and David Mendez.


Kicking - Senior Micah Clukey, a First Team All-Patriot League pick in 2005 for the second straight year, gives the Rams a presence on special teams after connecting on seven of his 11 field goal attempts and all 18 of his PATs. Backing him up will be junior Benjamin Dato, who has handled all the kickoff duties the past two years as well as the long field goals, connecting on a 44-yarder last year, along with sophomore Adam Danko. The punting duties will fall to Dato after the graduation of First Team All-Patriot League punter Anthony DiFino.


e-mail tonygsports@aol.com

Thought MU football fans may find this interesing. Here is the season outlook that appears on the Patriot League web site for Fordham which was picked fifth in the seven-team league. Note that former CCSU coach Tom Masella is the new boss so he knows all about MU and MU all about his approach as well.

On the surface appears Hawks certainly appear to have a shot....
Monmouth plays at Colgate later this season which is the defending PL champs, which CCSU defeated last year..


Two Shore Conference kids..... Sr. WR Anthony Myers (TR North) and LB/DE Fr. Asil Mulbah (Jackson) are on the roster


Fordham Outlook

There's a new head coach and a new enthusiasm at Rose Hill for the Fordham University football program in 2006. After leading Central Connecticut State to the Northeast Conference championship in each of the past two years, first-year Fordham head coach Tom Masella is hoping to bring the Rams back into contention for the Patriot League title in 2006. With the graduation of eleven starters from last year, Masella has his work cut out for him as he looks to fill the holes. But the good news for the new mentor is that three All-Patriot League selections return for the Rams in running back James Prydatko, linebacker Marcus Taylor, and placekicker Micah Clukey.
Prydatko and Taylor, who were Second Team All-Patriot League selections last year, are returning fifth-year seniors who will bring experience to the squad.
Here is a position-by-position breakdown for the 2006 Rams:

OFFENSE

Quarterback - The Rams hope that quarterback Derric Daniels returns to his sophomore form, the year he threw for 1,876 yards and 23 touchdowns, setting Fordham records for a first year player (he missed his freshman year with an injury). Last year, Daniels completed 114 of 234 passes for 1,176 yards and six touchdowns while also throwing 12 interceptions.
Challenging Daniels will be senior Josh Arcadia and sophomore T.J. Jordan, neither of whom has seen varsity action, along with freshman John Skelton.


Running Backs - James Prydatko, who rushed for 1,022 yards last year, returns to handle the bulk of the rushing chores for the Rams in 2006. His 1,022 yards were the second best in the league as he became just the second Fordham running back on the I-AA level to rush for more than 1,000 yards. Prydatko, who was Fordham's top all-purpose yardage man last year, also caught 14 passes for 111 yards and returned eight punts for 25 yards and eight kickoffs for 150 yards.
Joining Prydatko in the offensive backfield will be Jonte Coven and Henry Kirlew while Craig Stevens, Bo Marchand and Kenny Jones look to lead the rushing attack from the fullback position. Last year, Coven rushed 44 times for 196 yards and two touchdowns while also catching 12 passes out of the backfield for 73 yards. Kirlew, who saw action in six games last fall, gained 29 yards on eight carries while catching one pass for six yards, while Stevens picked up 26 yards on eleven carries and grabbed one pass for 11 yards.


Freshman Larry Dortsch will give the Rams depth at running back while sophomore Mark Meehan and freshman Angelo Sabentico will provide the depth at fullback.
Tight EndsTy Hogan, who missed all of last year with an injury, returns to the tight end line-up as do Adrian Castro, Matt Graham and Kody Kritzer. Castro, who appeared in ten games last year, caught three passes for eight yards, while Hogan hauled in five balls for 47 yards in 2004. Freshman Mark Woznicki will also look for playing time at tight end in 2006.

Wide Receivers - Mike Melvin, last year's leading receiver, returns to anchor the Fordham receiving corps along with Sylvester Clarke. Last year, Melvin caught 24 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns while Clarke hauled in 16 passes, tied for second best on the team, for 122 yards.
Also returning at wideout are Donovan Boyd, Richard Rayborn, Anthony Myres, Seth Anderson and Jeff Van Note.
Newcomers who will try to break into the line-up include freshmen Jason Caldwell and Asa Lucas along with Michael Shorter and Michael Shackleford.

Offensive Line - The position that took the biggest hit from injuries last year was the offensive line. The good news about that was the experience gained by the underclassmen should aid the 2006 Rams. Returning starters on the line include right tackle Ricky Bencivenni, left guard Mike Breznicky and right guard Justin Sarabeaz. Breznicky will move to the center position in 2006 while Sarabaez is slated to start at tackle.
Mike Nardone, who made the move from the defensive line to the offensive line prior to last year, and Anthony Silvestro return. Both sat out the 2005 campaign. The two are expected to fill the two tackle spots this fall while sophomore Ian Pace is expected to start at guard.
Sophomore Joe Welton and senior Robert Fioravanti, who each missed time with injuries last fall, return as do senior Peter Jannen and sophomores Mike Andrews, Alex Brown, and Tom Wessel.
Freshmen Amen Igbinosun, James Dunn and Bobby Reis are expected to find their way on the two-deep entering camp while freshmen Thomas Porto and Frank Rizzo will provide depth on the line.

DEFENSE

Defensive Line - Senior Jay Edwards is back to lead the defensive line in 2006. Last year, Edwards led the Patriot League with eight sacks while also recording a team-high 10.5 tackles for a loss. Also back is senior Eduardo Boza, who started every game at tackle for the Rams last year, compiling 26 total tackles including four sacks.
Sophomore Ryan Mehra is scheduled to move from linebacker to starting defensive end for the Rams in 2006. Last year, Mehra made 39 total tackles, 25 solo, including 2.5 for a loss and one sack.
Joining Edwards and Boza on the defensive line are seniors Cory Terzis, Hamilton Durandisse, Michael Techtmann and Marques Brown, along with juniors Bu Ogunsanya and Rich Cerullo and sophomore Greg DeMarco. Last year, Terzis made 20 total tackles, including three for a loss, while Brown finished with seven stops, including two for a loss.
Andrew Tyshovntsky and Darzell Wright are two freshmen who are looking for playing time on the defensive line.

Linebacker - Marcus Taylor, a Second Team All-Patriot League pick last year who will lead the linebackers in 2006, led the Rams with 120 total tackles last fall, second in the Patriot League and eighth in the NCAA I-AA. Included in his 120 stops were six for a loss and one sack, while he also intercepted two passes and forced three fumbles.
Senior Josh Jenrette also returns to his starting spot at linebacker. Last fall, Jenrette recorded 64 total tackles, third best on the team, including six for a loss and four sacks while also forcing two fumbles and intercepting a pass.
Ryan Kleve, who went down with an injury in 2005, returns at linebacker after registering 33 total tackles last year, four for a loss, before suffering the season-ending injury.
Also back at linebacker are juniors Dominique Owens and Jeb Bent, along with senior Dan Scillieri and sophomores Fonzie Culver, Klugy Mathurin, and Chris Cowan.
Freshmen James Crockett, and Asil Mulbah are expected to fight for a place on the two-deep this fall while freshmen Joe Evans, Ryan Darcy, Ken Mahoney and Frank Curry will provide depth.

Defensive Backs - Senior Carl Garritano, who will miss the 2006 season with an injury suffered in the spring, was the lone returning starter from last year's defensive secondary, starting all 11 games at free safety. Last fall, Garritano was second on the team with 82 tackles, including three for a loss. He also broke up three pass and recovered three fumbles.
Junior Raymond Loney returns and is expected to start at one corner in 2006 while junior Bruce Lee, who started six games last year and finished with 41 stops and a team-high seven pass break-ups, will start at the other corner.
Junior Sam Orah, who appeared in all eleven games last year and made seven stops, and sophomore Ken Thompson will back-up Loney and Lee. Sophomore Matt Loucks, who appeared in eight games last fall as a freshman, and junior Earl Hudnell are expected to man the safety spots with back-up from sophomores Zach Dayton, who is moving over to the defensive backfield after playing at wide receiver last fall, and Nahom Kidanemarian.
Other returning players who saw time in the defensive backfield last fall include sophomores Matt Donahue and Larry Rhea and junior Varron Knights. A number of newcomers could also see playing time in the defensive backfield this fall including freshmen Isiejah Allen, Brandon Brown, Kelvin Colbert, Chris Small and David Mendez.


Kicking

Senior Micah Clukey, a First Team All-Patriot League pick in 2005 for the second straight year, gives the Rams a presence on special teams after connecting on seven of his 11 field goal attempts and all 18 of his PATs. Backing him up will be junior Benjamin Dato, who has handled all the kickoff duties the past two years as well as the long field goals, connecting on a 44-yarder last year, along with sophomore Adam Danko. The punting duties will fall to Dato after the graduation of First Team All-Patriot League punter Anthony DiFino

Final review of Friday scrimmage

Here's MU coach Kevin Callahan's comments on Andrew Mandeville and some other items that may or may not have made the Saturday story:



""He's got a lot of potential, has a strong leg,'' said Callahan (of Mandeville). ""Also, there's a multitude of things you can do with him from a punt formation.''
With last year's No. 3 rusher Rob Lutz (4.3 ypc.), missing almost all of preseason with a sprained ankle, and with No. 2 Leonard Brice (4.4 ypc.) running with the second team, (sophomore David) Sinisi has been making the most of his opportunity.
The 5-10, 200-pounder was listed as the fourth running back on the 2006 preseason depth chart.
He described his play so far as, ""all right, nothing spectacular.'' He began Friday's action with a 12-yard run and later turned a short pass by former Wall quarterback Brett Burke into a 30-yard gain. :"As a runner I just kind of look for the creases the line makes, they did a great job all camp,'' said Sinisi. ""You can't dwell on what you did in camp,'' Sinisi said. ""In reality it doesn't mean anything. It's what you do on Saturdays.'



In other news - some new faces you may see on the offensive line this season include senior Bob Skellenger or rookie or rookie Shawn Wright at right guard ..It would appear Monmouth's trio of wide outs to start the season will be returnees Mike McClelland, Adam San Miguel, and Shane Sharpley..though Sharpley (bone contusion) hasn't seen much scrimmage action in preseason.
As I said earlier I think 6-5 sophomore Ron Lauch is in the mix and I wouldn't be surprised if freshman Brian Callahan from Don Bosco figures in here somewhere along with junior Chris Kiley who had a good camp. Haven't mentioned John Nalbone much but the big tight end, a junior who saw a good deal of action last year, should continue to improve.

On defense at a corner either junior Ayo Falae or junior Marcus Shell will replace Rob Lomoriello. Otherwise almost all of the defense that finished last season returns.

Callahan said Friday's final intra-squad scrimmage was mostly to look at potential back ups....and that RB senior Rob Lutz' (ankle) lack of playing time in preseason is a concern for now. Though Sinisi was anointed as the No.1 back for the moment expect to see Lutz (if he's healthy), Leonard Brice, and Walter Carter rotate in. Callahan said Burke remains the No. 2 QB behind Brian Boland and there was no clear cut number 3. For my money I liked sophomore Kyle Brandon (RBC) who seemed to get rid of the ball quickly and on target for the most part.



'

Dennis the Menace....and other topics

Sorry didn't get to this sooner...also..later today I hope to post comments from Callahan on Mandeville and other topics and more from Sinisi which didn't make it into Saturday's paper.

Sean Dennis...what is he thinking? He seems like a great kid but...thats' two years in a row he will miss games for "violation of team rules.'' Here's a young man with perhaps an NFL caliber punting foot. NFL teams look at character issues when making draft or free agent selections. Miles Austin' reputation was impeccable and that sure didn't hurt him. of course neither has his talent. But Sean could be costing himself money...not to mention..and no disrespect to Mandeville ..... costing Monmouth valuable field position over the first two games.

I have no idea what Sean did and I don't care if it was major or minor but it was enough to get Callahan ticked off at him....again. I was present when AD Marilyn McNeil made her ""character' type speech the first day of practice. As usual..someone wasn't listening.

So Monmouth goes into the opener with a red-shirt freshman (Sinisi) as starting TB and and frosh punter (Mandeville). That could be shaky tbhough Sinisi has looked good. Callahan plans to to rotate backs as he always does and I think Rob Lutz will get lots of time if he's healthy. He needs to have a good senior year if MU is to be successful.

As for receivers...Ron Lauch made another nice catch Friday and I think will certainly see field time this season and move up the depth chart.. Meanwhile Steve Dowens dropped two very catchable balls....

Defense looked OK. It recovered two fumbles and had the Jaamal McClintock INT.

With the addition of two more freshman to men's basketball it seems likely certain one or two of the five newcomers (if I counted right) will redshirt...

More later....

Dennis the Menace....and other topics

Sorry didn't get to this sooner...also..later today I hope to post comments from Callahan on Mandeville and other topics and more from Sinisi which didn't make it into Saturday's paper.

Sean Dennis...what is he thinking? He seems like a great kid but...thats' two years in a row he will miss games for "violation of team rules.'' Here's a young man with perhaps an NFL caliber punting foot. NFL teams look at character issues when making draft or free agent selections. Miles Austin' reputation was impeccable and that sure didn't hurt him. of course neither has his talent. But Sean could be costing himself money...not to mention..and no disrespect to Mandeville ..... costing Monmouth valuable field position over the first two games.

I have no idea what Sean did and I don't care if it was major or minor but it was enough to get Callahan ticked off at him....again. I was present when AD Marilyn McNeil made her ""character' type speech the first day of practice. As usual..someone wasn't listening.

So Monmouth goes into the opener with a red-shirt freshman (Sinisi) as starting TB and and frosh punter (Mandeville). That could be shaky tbhough Sinisi has looked good. Callahan plans to to rotate backs as he always does and I think Rob Lutz will get lots of time if he's healthy. He needs to have a good senior year if MU is to be successful.

As for receivers...Ron Lauch made another nice catch Friday and I think will certainly see field time this season and move up the depth chart.. Meanwhile Steve Dowens dropped two very catchable balls....

Defense looked OK. It recovered two fumbles and had the Jaamal McClintock INT.

With the addition of two more freshman to men's basketball it seems likely certain one or two of the five newcomers (if I counted right) will redshirt...

More later....

MU men's hoops adds two players. Final football scrimmage Friday

The Monmouth U men's basketball team, which seems to have a penchant for summer recruiting, has received verbal commitments from Patrick "Dutch" Gaitley, 6-9 center from the Philadelphia area, and a 6-3 shooting guard from Israel, Yaniv Simpson. I spoke with both players who will be freshmen in September.

Gaitley, according to Steve Keller of the National Recruiting Report, played very well at the Eastern Invitational Basketball Camp this summer and should be able to fit into the MU rotation right away if needed.

The 21-year old Simpson is a pure shooter, told me has has shot over 60 percent from 3. He was steered to Monmouth by Seton Hall assistant and former Monmouth assistant Geoff Billet after Seton Hall apparently wanted the 21-year old to wait another year before possibly coming on board there. More in Friday's Press.

I know John Bunch was a late or mid-summer recruit and I believe the same may have been true for Dejan Delic and Alex Nunner.



Monmouth holds its final intra-squad football scrimmage 3 p.m. Friday at Kessler Field. Men's soccer opens Friday evening at George Mason.

Revenge of the "D".....a TD for Miles Austin

After being stung by the offense Saturday the Monmouth defense regrouped in Tuesday morning's intra-squad scrimmage according to coach Kevin Callahan. I was not able to attend the action due to other responsibilities but Callahan said Brian Boland was picked off twice and Brett Burke once.
According to Callahan the INTs were by safety Jamal McClintock, corner Brian Robinson, , and linebacker Mike Nunziato who took his pick for a TD. He said Robinson also went for six but the TD was wiped out by a penalty though the INT stood. The defense had no interceptions Saturday. On offense Callahan said sophomore Dave Sinisi's s 27-yard run was ""probably the big offensive play of the day.'' He also said there was a TD pass from Boland to tight end John Nalbone and that Sean Dennis and Fred Weingart hit 47 and 38-yard field goals.

Seems to me Sinsi, a sophomore from Cedar Grove whose brother is a Howell High School assistant coach, is having an excellent camp and making a serious push for playing time.

The final pre-season scrimmage is 3 p.m. Friday at Kessler Field. I should make it for that one.


In case you missed it (I did!) Miles Austin had a 48-yard TD catch, his first pro reception, in the fourth quarter for Dallas Monday night. I tried to call Miles today but it seems his cell is out of commission. I did talk with his agent and we will have a story in Wednesday's Press.
Hate to say this but it seems to be a long shot for Miles to make the active roster as he's up against two other free agent candidates.. one was on the practice squad last year - and Dallas is not likely to keep as many as six wide outs active.

As an Eagles fan...with their woes at WR...I was troubled from the beginning they didn't take Miles late..maybe they snag him if Dallas cuts him...My hunch is he makes the Cowboy practice squad...

Many questions..few answers

Well, I'm not sure what I learned from today's Monmouth U. football scrimmage except that Brian Boland (3 TD passes) threw the ball very well. Then again, if he doesn't have a big year just pack up the season.
Wide receiver and running back positions still up for grabs and may be right up until and through opening day and maybe even beyond.
Junior Chris Kiley threw his hat in the WR ring with two TD catches. Mike McCelland, who figures to be a prominent receiver, wasn't even thrown to. Shane Sharpley (injury) sat out. Adam San Miguel had some catches early including a TD and looked very good.

Senior RB Leonard Brice played today though not in a major role and senior Rob Lutz (ankle) did not play. At this stage they would appear to be the top backfield candidates but coach Kevin Callahan gave long looks today to sophomore Dave Sinisi, and freshmen Ryan Skorupka and Bobby Giles.
Sinisi and Skorupka ran OK. Giles has the most speed but doesn't wait for his blocks, tries to do too much on his own.
In summary, I still don't see a big time running threat. In the end Brice, a hard, tough runner, may be the best for now and I've always thought Lutz had a chance to be pretty solid.
Monmouth was playing a base defense with no blitzing.
Freshman QB Andrew Mandeville (Raritan) got some time with the third unit. He and fresh Nick Romeo hooked up on a 17-yard pass in a red zone drill and Mandeville later plunged in from the one. Mandeville also was the No. 2 punter today behind Sean Dennis but two other back up punters were hurt or ill so it's hard to tell what that means.



Fred Weingart kicked an extra point that rocketed high into the scaffold behind the uprights and nearly sawed in half a guy filming the scrimmage.


Also..in the men's soccer scrimmage, I was told Monmouth lost to Hofstra 2-1.

MU intra-squad football scrimmage kicking off Saturday, men's soccer scrimmaging a strong Hofstra team

Monmouth football will conduct its first intra squad scrimmage 2 p.m. Saturday at Kessler Field.
"'Everyone will play,'' Monmouth coach Kevin Callahan said. He said there will be combinations of regular series and created red zone and goal line situations amounting to about 100 plays.
Callahan said several upperclassmen will be held out with minor injuries. They include linebacker Mike Nunziato, corner David Jiles, and running back Rob Lutz. Also, freshman Bobby Cole from Jackson (hamstring) will not suit up.
Fans should be especially interested to see who looks to emerge from among the running backs and wide outs, positions that for the most part appear to be open though there are lots of candidates.



The Monmouth University men's soccer team will scrimmage Hofstra at MU 11 a.m. Saturday, the second of its two game scrimmages. This should be a good test for the 2006 Northeast Conference favorites as Hofstra's two-time defending Colonial Athletic Association champions were picked to finish second in 2006 in a vote of the league's coaches. Hofstra, which is one of only 11 teams in the country to enter the 2006 season as two-time defending conference champions, returns four All-CAA performers.
Thursday coach Rob McCourt said the Hawks defeated Mercer County College in a scrimmage 1-0 on a goal by sophomore Rob LaRocca, a CBA graduate.
Brazilian keeper Daniel Schenkel, a junior transfer from NAIA Virginia Intermont University played "very well"' McCourt said.
""It seems like this year we're little more technical,'' said McCourt. ""I thought we did good job of possessing the ball.''
I wondered if only defeating a junior college by one goal was something less than impressive. ""Mercer is one of the best (junior colleges) in the county,'' said third-year coach McCourt who said Monmouth hadn't defeated the Vikings in fall or spring scrimmages since he's been here.
This item today from the MU web site: Coming off an unbeaten conference season in 2005, Monmouth is ranked No. 42 in Top Drawer Soccer's 2006 preseason poll. Monmouth, which was recently selected as the preseason favorite in the NEC by the league's head coaches, also boasts a highly-touted recruiting class according to College Soccer News, and six returning starters, which includes the Blue and White's top two scorers, and six of the top seven, from a season ago.

I hope to be here Saturday evening with a football report and, hopefully, results of the soccer scrimmage as well.

MU football update

Monmouth has been at football practice since Friday and coach Kevin Callahan seems pleased. Probably the most important news is there have been no injuries.

Callahan continues to be impressed by what he terms ""a very good freshman class." I would not be surprised to see some of the frosh play this season, at least on special teams and Brian Callahan, who turned down Rutgers so he could play football and also baseball at MU, should be in the mix at wide out.
Callahan said among the upperclassmen Brian Boland, Mike Castellano, Adam San Miguel are "doing well." Tuesday marked the first day of pads but there was no full scale contact. The first intra-squad scrimmage is 2 pm Saturday at Kessler Field. I definitely plan to be at that and will have a story for Sunday.


MU will be on TV once this football season on a Fox Sports-New York broadcast on October 28 with Monmouth hosting defending NEC champion Central Connecticut State at 12:00 pm.

Two key issues for MU athletics

No.1 - the new athletic center, the MAAC. Monmouth U officials are hopeful it will receive local town (West Long Branch) approval later this month.. next month at the latest. Then it's a 2-3 year construction time period.

After many, many, many, years of talk it looks like it may actually happen. Still, I won't believe it until the doors open!!!

No. 2 - What next for MU football? The next two years the Northeast
Conference champ faces the Pioneer League champ in the post season "Gridiron Classic." After that MU is hopeful NEC gets the automatic qualifier to the NCAA 1-AA playoffs. The face of NEC football could change. Stony Brook, I am told, is leaving after this year, Albany eventually may.

Monmouth? If NEC remains in line for the NCAA AQ (automatic qualifier) in football I believe no move is anticipated. If the AQ seems unlikely MU could look to annex with another league (Patriot?) as at least an associate member.

Also: Down the road there may be some modifications though not necessarily expansion of Kessler Field. So much of everything depends on the building of the MAAC. It's the key to the future of the entire athletic program.


Also Friday chatted with MU men's soccer coach Rob McCourt and striker Tom Gray (Middletown South) for upcoming story. Despite some key losses to graduation McCourt seems very optimistic MU can repeat as NEC regular season champs with the aim of this time winning the NEC Tournament (it lost in the finals last season).

Prior to football practice MU AD Marilyn McNeil addressed the team. Included in her remarks were how the athletes represent the school, etc. She says she does this for every team at their first practices. It's a very sound policy. Sadly, for some athletes, her well intentioned remarks go in one ear and then into outer space.

Hello all.

Well, we finally made it over here to the college page. Basically we'll be blogging on Monmouth U. football and Monmouth U. and other local college athletics and maybe some high school football as well.


Today was the first day of Monmouth football practice. It seems the big question mark until it's resolved one way or the other will be how the passing game goes minus Miles Austin.

There was no contact but I thought rookie RB Bobby Giles #34 bears watching. He is very, very quick.


Linebacker Mike Nunziato, corner David Jiles, and freshman Bobby Cole (Jackson) were among those who did not participate due to minor injuries. They are all expected back next week.


As we did not have room to run this in the paper here is the complete MU pre-season practice schedule:
August 12 - 3:15 PM - Full Team
August 13 - Split Session Practice 1:45 PM Group 1 3:45 PM Group 2
August 14 - 10:00 AM - Vets Nutrition Workshop Split Session Practice 1:45 PM Group 1 3:45 PM Group 2
August 15 - AM - Weights Practice Full Team
August 16 - 8:30 AM Practice 3:15 PM Practice
August 17 - AM Weights 3:15 PM Practice
August 18 - 8:30 AM Practice 3:15 PM Practice
August 19 - 2:00 PM Scrimmage
August 20 - 4:15 PM - Practice
August 21 - 8:30 AM Practice 3:15 PM
August 22 - 9:00 AM Scrimmage
August 23 - 8:30 AM Practice 3:15 PM Practice
August 24 - AM Weights 11:30 - Team Picture 3:15 PM Practice
August 25 - 8:30 AM Practice 3:00 PM Scrimmage
August 26 - OFF

MU football

MU football begins Tuesday with the freshmen reporting. I'll have Tuesday story with quotes from coach Kevin Callahan and freshman linebacker Joe Cella from Jackson, one of three Jags who will be MU rookies this fall.

This marks the first class of MU freshman football players which includes those receiving scholarships under the new NEC football scholarship guidelines which allows up to 30 per NEC team at one time.