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Monmouth football: 10 Shore stars who can make a difference for Hawks

stephen edelson, asbury park press
·2 min read

As the Monmouth University football program transitions into the Colonial Athletic Association this season, the Hawks will be leaning heavily on former Shore Conference players to help lead the way.

In fact, local talent will have to play key roles in any success they have in the coming months, as the program shifts to one of the country's top FCS conferences.

Monmouth opens the season Thursday (7 p.m./FloSports) at New Hampshire in its first-ever CAA game.

Here's a look at 10 local players capable of making important contributions for the Hawks during the most important season in program history:

Monmouth's Joey Aldarelli catches a touchdown pass from Tony Muskett against Gardner-Webb on Oct. 2, 2021 in West Long Branch.
Monmouth's Joey Aldarelli catches a touchdown pass from Tony Muskett against Gardner-Webb on Oct. 2, 2021 in West Long Branch.

Joey Aldarelli, WR (Ocean)

When Aldarelli’s been healthy, he’s been a dangerous weapon, particularly in the end zone. The fifth-year senior had five TDs among his 16 receptions last season.

Alex Bryant, WR (Ocean)

A speedy receiver, Monmouth continues to look for ways to get him the ball in open space, using him primarily on jet sweeps as a sophomore last season.

Toms River North's Darrion Carrington catches a long pass near the end zone during the closing minute of the first half at Middletown South in 2016.
Toms River North's Darrion Carrington catches a long pass near the end zone during the closing minute of the first half at Middletown South in 2016.

Darrion Carrington, WR (Toms River North)

A graduate transfer from Yale, the 6-2 Carrington provides experience and a rangy target for quarterback Tony Muskett after the departure of the Hawks’ top three receivers from a year ago.

Eddie Morales, CB (Howell)

An All-Big South first team cornerback as a senior, Morales enters his fifth season as one of the Hawks’ top playmakers. He returned an interception 77 yards last season, and is a dangerous punt returner.

Monmouth cornerback Eddie Morales (1) during the Hawks' 48-19 win over Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs, North Carolina on April 3, 2021.
Monmouth cornerback Eddie Morales (1) during the Hawks' 48-19 win over Gardner-Webb in Boiling Springs, North Carolina on April 3, 2021.

Ryan Moran, LB (Ocean)

Moran played a key role last season due to injuries, starting six games and finishing with 58 tackles, including 11 against Campbell. The senior will be part of the Hawks’ rotation at linebacker.

Vincenzo Rea, PK (Manalapan)

The sophomore has looked good during preseason camp, connecting regularly from beyond 50 yards in practice as he looks to step in as the starter.

More:Is Monmouth QB Tony Muskett poised for breakout season in CAA?

Charlie Sasso, LB (Wall)

Sasso has been one of several freshman pushing to play right away, and is expected to have a role on defense this season.

Dale Sieczkowki, OLB/DE (Manalapan)

The senior found a niche last season as a designated pass rusher coming off the edge, finishing with 3.5 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks.

More::"We're not intimidated": Monmouth braces for new challenge in CAA

Dominick Spano, DL (St. John Vianney)

The fifth-year senior defensive tackle will play a key role in the Hawks rotation in the trenches, with Spano (6-3, 285) making 20 tackles, including three sacks, last season.

Monmouth right tackle Justin Szuba, a Brick Memorial product, was a second team All-Big South selection and Academic All-American in 2019.
Monmouth right tackle Justin Szuba, a Brick Memorial product, was a second team All-Big South selection and Academic All-American in 2019.

Justin Szuba, OT (Brick Memorial)

A first-team All-Big South selection in 2020, Szuba missed the 2021 season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle. The 6-8, 310-pound right tackle is the Hawks’ most experienced lineman.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth NJ football: 10 ex-Shore stars who can make a difference