WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ - Four former members of Monmouth University’s football team worked out in front of scouts from various professional football organizations on Thursday morning at Goodsports USA in Wall, N.J.

MU quarterback Brian Boland (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial), tailback Leonard Brice (Phillipsburg, N.J./Phillipsburg), safety Matt Hill (Hopatcong, N.J./Hopatcong) and linebacker Mike Castellano (Freehold, N.J./Freehold) joined 11 other athletes to work out for members of professional football organizations.  The four former Hawks, who completed their last year of eligibility in MU’s 2006 NEC championship season, competed in position drills, ran the 40 yard dash and showcased their skills with a variety of agility drills.

 

Boland ended his career with a 36-8 record as Monmouth’s signal caller and owns almost every passing record for the Hawks.  Brice was part of a potent rushing attack, gathering 493 yards on 118 carries with two touchdowns.  Hill and Castellano were mainstays on Monmouth’s defense, which ended 2006 with the best scoring defense in all of the FCS (formerly 1-AA).  Hill, who was named to the Sports Network’s Mid-Major All-America Team, led the Hawks in tackles with 85, while his 265 career takedowns ranks fourth all-time at Monmouth.  Castellano finished second on the team in tackles with 77 stops, while the three-time All-NEC selection had six tackles for a loss, two sacks and a trio of interceptions. The Freehold, N.J., native finished his career with 218 tackles and seven interceptions.

 

Two former MU players are currently members of professional football teams, wide receivers Miles Austin (with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys) and Will Holder (with the AFL’s New York Dragons). 

 

The quest to defend the NEC Championship begins on Saturday for the Hawks when Spring starts up at Kessler field and is open to the public.