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4 takeaways from the second week of Monmouth football fall camp
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- 4 takeaways from the second week of Monmouth football fall camp
As Monmouth football's fall training camp enters its second week, the competition across the roster might already be at an apex.
As the preseason No. 22 Hawks inch closer to the Aug. 29 opener on the road against No. 14 Tennessee Tech, there will be a clearer picture of the expected starting lineups and schemes. But for now, practices are still about opportunity. Reps are being distributed mostly evenly across the roster with the exception of certain position groups like the offensive line, where chemistry and conditioning are key to success in the regular season.
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But while the portrait of the team is still murky, there's a wealth of opportunities to talk about players who made the most of their opportunity and showcased their talents. For the most part, it's been the usual suspects standing out on the gridiron. Those familiar faces are highlighted along with a few new ones in this recap of four takeaways from the second of Monmouth practices.
A defense that will not be derailed
Team captains Charlie Sasso and Jaeden Jones lead a defense that continues to look like it can be team's strength in 2026, a major potential reversal from Monmouth's reputation for high-flying offense. Jones being named the Coastal Athletic Association's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year reflect the newfound expectations for the unit.
"I'm grateful to have these preseason honors, but at the end of the day you've still gotta go out and play," Jones said. "I've still gotta be the best that I can be. So I'm still trying to strive for greatness every single day."
Jaeden Jones at Monmouth's first fall practice on July 30.
And for Sasso, the local product who starred at the Shore in high school with Wall and has now become a signature presence at Monmouth, there is a veteran understanding of what the defense needs to do at fundamental level to build a foundation for the intricacies of the regular season. Effort and communication are key.
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"The best things we can see early in camp are just a lot of communication and people just flying to the ball," Sasso said. "We're going to get the installs down. We're gonna know what we're doing by the time the season comes. So even if kids are a little confused come day one, if they're flying to the ball, that's all we can ask for and that's how I know we're in a good spot."
In terms of team periods, there is naturally an advantage with so many more returning starters on the defensive side of the ball. But the success through the spring into the fall is not purely driven by the returners. The secondary in particular has been impressive, as the Hawks appear to have more talented players then they'll be able to fit on the field in the fall. At different moments there were standout plays by Elijah Mathis, Donovan Fey, Amir Haskett, Omar Ibrahim, and Hasson Manning. Their prowess was evident as they won the majority of one-on-one matchups with Monmouth's receivers.
Charlie Sasso in coverage against Greg Genross during Monmouth football's first fall practice on July 30.
Jones will be the focal point of the unit and an x-factor player that will be given more agency to seize on opportunities he recognizes with his strong football IQ.
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"I'm more just going out there playing freely, not really thinking," Jones said. "Just kind of working to be the best that I can be. So I can just play all over the field, do whatever they need me to do and just ultimately have no holes in my game."
It's no secret that this unit is highly motivated after the sudden death of defensive coordinator Louis DiRienzo Jr. back in late June. The level of buy-in into his scheme and the determination to realize his vision is a testament to what he meant to the defense on and off the field. The ultimate goal is to create a new reputation for hard-nosed defense at Monmouth, and that legacy would belong to DiRienzo.
"We want to take the ball away and get the ball back to our high-scoring offense," Sasso said. "So I think if we can do that, special things will happen this year. Just to change the tide of what Monmouth football defense has been and kind of start a new ship in Louis D's name."
Highlight-reel receivers
The defensive backs have generally gotten the best of the receiver group thus far, displaying really impressive ability to stay attached on routes and great understanding of defensive spacing. But there continue to be impressive flashes from Monmouth's starting receiving targets.
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Marcus Middleton looks ready to live up to his billing as a preseason All-American. The tight end could not be covered in lower red zone one-on-one drills as he repeatedly used his massive catch radius to pluck touchdowns out of the air. But he also had tremendous footwork and balance relative to his position in the back of the end zone, the added element that could make him a rare performer this fall.
Alexander Sean Williams (right in blue) and Gavin Nelson (left in white) compete in tug of war during practice on July 30.
Christian Harrison continues to be the fun new weapon offensively. The junior college transfer from Lackawanna College (which notably will become a D-II program this year) has been absolutely electric. He had an incredible one-handed catch against 6-foot-3 Elijah Mathis. He can work out of the slot or outside. He is athletic with polished route running ability and reliable hands. The Hawks already had preseason All-CAA selection Gavin Nelson and dangerous deep ball threat Tra Neal in addition to Middleton, but Harrison looks like another star in the making.
And make no mistake, Nelson and Neal are as impressive as they've always been. Although they got dinged up and were partial participants in practice, they possess next level athleticism that is evident one-on-ones, seven-on-seven or full team sessions.
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Talent in freshmen class is exciting for the future and the present
Even though some players are barely a week into their college careers, Monmouth's 2026 recruiting class has already lived up to expectations as a special group of newcomers.
In terms of players who could make an immediate impact, there are several contenders at different position groups. Offensive lineman Jayce Grays from Glassboro has been outstanding since enrolling early in the spring, and could be second string option at center. Alexander Williams is getting plenty of reps and has looked the part as a nickel and safety. Sasso noted impressive athlete Jaylen Carter at linebacker, a 6-foot-4 and 230-pound marvel that still needs more fine-tuning in terms of skillset navigating traffic as a run stuffer, but has tantalizing athleticism.
Khyan Billups at Monmouth football practice.
But beyond those players that are poised to potentially see the field are many more exciting young playmakers. Running back Khyan Billups had the most impressive run of the day on Tuesday, and it was with very little blocking as he bounced an inside zone run outside and outran every defender as he turned the corner. Quarterback Evan Budinger's physical tools are even better than expected, although more development will be needed in terms of leading a college offense. A trio of New Jersey products have had moments at receiver in Wall's Heath Reinhardt, Rancocas Valley's Sayvien Adams and Old Bridge's Brody Nugent.
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Small kicker, big leg
Monmouth has reinforced the kicker position with two new additions, but a mighty mouse freshman has stunned with his range early in camp.
Listed at 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, Josh Graham can look a little out of place as he gallantly will spot the ball during team drills or assist with other duties during practice. Then, he gets his moments to kick. And boy can he kick.
Graham was consistently putting the ball through the uprights out to 45 yards during practice. It's still a long way from live game action with bodies flying full speed to block a kick, but it's impressive stuff for the freshman from Virginia.
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Redshirt sophomore Sky Sholder joined the Hawks as a transfer from Delaware and had an impressive prep career at St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia. He's been hampered by injury, allowing the opportunities for Graham. Both kickers seem like a potential upgrade for Monmouth this fall, but it will be interesting to see who ultimately wins the job.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: 4 takeaways from the second week of Monmouth football fall camp
