By Jeremy Schilling

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Monmouth University announced their 2011 football recruiting class Thursday, a class that focuses heavily on the defensive side of the ball.

The class includes two defensive lineman, two linebackers and two defensive backs along with two “athletes” who may spend time on that side of the ball.

Head Coach Kevin Callahan was pleased with the additions

“I am very happy and excited about this year’s class,” said Callahan. “It is a very talented group of players that not only satisfies our positional needs but at the same time, I really believe it makes us a better team. Top to bottom it’s an extremely talented group.”

14 athletes have so far joined the team with 11 of them being National Letter of Intent Signees and three being mid-term enrollees who are already attending Monmouth and can attend all offseason programs.

Five players are from New Jersey, followed by four from Maryland, two each from New York and Pennsylvania and one from Delaware. Maryland has become a popular recruiting spot for Monmouth lately.

“We started recruiting in Maryland about five years ago, and we continue to increase our presence down there,” Callahan said. “We have found that Maryland, unlike, New Jersey, was not very heavily recruited. The northern schools went to Florida and Georgia. The southern schools came to New Jersey. So there was a void there in Maryland.”

Callahan believes there will most likely be four to five players signed in the coming weeks and months, including a punter and possibly a quarterback.

Monmouth starts spring practice on April 2 and holds their spring game on April 30.

List of Recruits along with Coach Callahan’s thoughts:

Nick Carroll, Defensive Back, Bath, N.Y.: Physical player, runs well, was exposed to Monmouth coaching staff through their summer camp, enrolled in Monmouth in January

David Coffin, Defensive Line, Edgewater, Md.: Run stopper, has the potential to contribute immediately like Jimmy Lawson did in 2010.

Colin Cooper, Linebacker, Geneva, N.Y.: has size, is athletic, runs well.

Peter D’Addio, Offensive lineman, Manheim, Pa.: Dominant runblocker.

Demetri Dennis, Defensive Back, Laurel, Md.: Has size, speed, and quick feet. He got to know Monmouth coaching staff through their summer camp.

Ed Hunt, Offensive line, Odenton, Md.: Moves well, has long arms.

Zak Irizarry, Linebacker, North Brunswick, N.J.: Has size, strong pass rusher, got to know Monmouth coaching stuff through their summer camp.

Dan Kowal, Athlete, Pompton Lakes, N.J.: Has ability to play defensive back and wide receiver. Is fast, very athletic.

Taylor Krenzke, Offensive Line, Damascus, Md.: Has size (275 pounds), is physical and plays hard.

Eric Macik, Defensive Line, Lancaster, P.A.: tough guy, 260 pounds, has enrolled at Monmouth now.

Isaiah McLean, Running Back, Union, N.J.: fast, explosive, has breakaway speed, enrolled at Monmouth currently.

Evan Ruane, Athlete, West Long Branch, N.J.: Fills the Hawks need for a long snapper, can also play tight end and defensive end.

Eric Sumlin, Wide Receiver, Dover, Del.: very athletic, got to know Monmouth coaching staff through their summer camp.

Hakeem Valles, Wide Receiver, Sicklerville, N.J.: has size, soft hands, blocker, got to know Monmouth coaching staff through their summer camp.