It was a heck of an introduction.
Because lost in the mistake-filled details of a 42-27 season-opening loss at Eastern Washington last Thursday was a brilliant performance by graduate transfer Derek Robertson.
The former Maine quarterback threw for 390 yards and three touchdowns at Roos Field in Cheney, Washington. Working with a new offensive line and inexperienced receivers, Robertson brought the Hawks back from an early 14-0 deficit to tie the game, then led a rally that closed the gap in the fourth quarter.
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“I was extremely impressed,” said Monmouth head coach Kevin Callahan on the CAA’s weekly conference call. “He has a high level of confidence in his own ability. He sees the field extremely well, and he’s got a quick release and he gets the ball out to the right spot on time. And as I said, it’s very quick, and I think that’s a great asset to have, especially when you’re breaking in a new, young offensive line and he did and exceptional job. He’s a leader on the field. Very, very impressed with what he did.”