Letter Of Intent Day

Things certainly have come a long way when it comes to the football program at Monmouth University and you only have to look at the last week or so for proof. Last Sunday Hawks coach Kevin Callahan was in South Florida watching a former player, Miles Austin start for the NFC team in the Pro Bowl game. A couple of days later Callahan was at the podium announcing the latest recruiting class for the Hawks and it’s a group that has him very excited about the future for the Blue and White. Not that long ago there was not much interest over this but the success of the program has made many open their eyes to what’s taking place in West Long Branch.
Austin’s breakout year in Dallas and tight end John Nalbone playing for the Dolphins gives Monmouth two NFL players and who knows if there’s a future pro among the 17 student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Heading up that group are seven shore area high school standouts, including a pair of defensive standouts who could make an impact as freshman. Manchester’s Jimmy Lawson turned down a wrestling scholarship to Rutgers to play football for the Hawks and the 6’, 285 defensive tackle should fill a big void for Monmouth. For Manasquan’s Dan Sullivan the question will be how quick he can adjust to a position change as he’ll move from defensive end in high school to the linebacker spot at college. Both Sullivan and Lawson will be joined by high school teammates
as the new class includes Squan wide receiver Neal Sterling and Hawks offensive lineman Josh Siemanowicz. Other shore players headed to Monmouth are Raritan running back Jesse Raymond, Howell wide receiver Phil Adamo and Colts Neck kicker Eric Spillane.

Among yesterday’s other notable football signings saw Barnegat’s first-ever Division 1 recruit Jarrett Darmstatter sign with Boston College and Central’s Adam Skidmore ink a Letter of Intent to Tulane University. Ocean County’s consensus Player of the Year, Toms River East’s Nico Steriti signed with the University of New Hampshire. Steriti made a verbal commitment to the Naval Academy last month but changed his mind shortly after returning from Annapolis.