Here are 8 breakout players from Monmouth football spring practices

TL;DR

Monmouth football's spring practices highlight breakout players, including receiver Christian Harrison, who has shown significant improvement. The final practice is set for Thursday, followed by a Spring Showcase scrimmage on Sunday.

Key points

Monmouth football spring practices focus on player development.
Christian Harrison is a notable breakout player.
The final practice is on Thursday, with a scrimmage on Sunday.
Players face challenges in adjusting to a new system.

MonmouthChristian HarrisonGavin NelsonTra Neal

Spring football is about seizing an opportunity.

There is no imminent opponent, no game on Saturday to prepare for. Instead, it's a chance for introspective growth and development. But the lack of midseason urgency also means an increase in reps across the roster.

Christian Harrison would've gotten considerable reps regardless. The 6-foot, 195-pound receiver joined Monmouth from the renowned junior college program at Lackawanna, and looked comfortable working inside or outside as the third receiver beyond established playmakers Gavin Nelson and Tra Neal. But at some practices, the newcomer found himself as the top receiving target.

"There's been great improvement. I'd probably say the competitive part is way more advanced than JUCO; you get guys just as technical as you," Harrison said. "You get one-percent better every day."

Thursday marks the final spring practice for Monmouth football, although the Spring Showcase scrimmage on Sunday will be the momentous end to another session of practices. Spring football is both a challenging and enlightening observation opportunity. The important caveat is that this is a long way from the regular season pace of practices, and so these reps can't be evaluated the same way as fall camp or midseason practices. For Harrison, one of the bigger challenges is just getting acclimated to a new system.

"(Nelson and Neal) helped me get more comfortable as soon as I came in. I was a little shaky with the playbook but I sat down with them, we learned the playbook," Harrison said. "And the one thing I'll probably say I learned from it was just confidence. Once you know your route, you just got to figure out how to win at that point. Everything else will fall into place."

The concepts and formations are more malleable in the spring. There is a great opportunity to play with different plays and varying situations, many of which end up on the cutting room floor. But it's a prime chance to see more of a team's depth and versatility than can be observed during the regular season when the team is preparing for a game.

With that in mind, check out these eight players who shined during Monmouth's 2026 spring practice session. No returning starters were considered, as this is a look at some exciting up-and-comers that will try to build on their spring success in the fall.

Q&A

Who are the standout players from Monmouth football spring practices?

Christian Harrison, Gavin Nelson, and Tra Neal are among the standout players highlighted during Monmouth football's spring practices.

What challenges do players face during Monmouth's spring football practices?

Players face challenges such as acclimating to a new system and the difference in pace compared to regular season practices.

When is the final spring practice for Monmouth football?

The final spring practice for Monmouth football is scheduled for Thursday, followed by a Spring Showcase scrimmage on Sunday.

How does Christian Harrison describe the competitive environment at Monmouth?

Christian Harrison describes the competitive environment at Monmouth as more advanced than his previous junior college experience, emphasizing the technical skills of his teammates.