On Oct. 1, former Monmouth running back Pete Guerriero signed with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad.
Guerriero was asked to try out for the Panthers and competed against three other running backs for the practice squad spot. He impressed head coach, Matt Rhule, and became one of the two running backs that earned a spot on the squad.
The Lyndhurst native came to Monmouth in 2016 and spent his freshman year as a track runner. He won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Outdoor Championship in the 100m and 200m. In 2017, he became a redshirt freshman for the football team and immediately made an impact on the entire program.
The 2019 Football Championship Series (FCS) Running Back of the Year declared for the National Football League (NFL) Draft after completing his third season of eligibility. He ended his Monmouth season last year with a total of 3,974 career rushing yards which was the second most in program history. Throughout his career, Guerriero had 20 career over 100-yard rushing games appearing in 34 games for Monmouth.
Guerriero was the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) FCS leading rusher in the country and scored 239 points throughout his time as a Hawk, which is the third most in Monmouth history and helped the Hawks earn their first Big South Championship.
Senior Offensive Lineman, AJ Farris, could not say enough about his former teammate. He praised the NFL rookie, saying, “I feel like with COVID he got snubbed this year and would have been signed way earlier if all of this wasn’t a thing. It’s a great feeling to see all the work he put in when no one was watching pay off for him.”
Farris reminisced on Guerriero’s start with the team, saying, “We were talking after practice one day and he told me he was going to be the starting running back that year. I looked at him like he was crazy. Like who does this track kid think he is?”
Guerriero played in 11 games that 2017 season and had many great achievements. He made First Team All-Big South as a running back and kick returner, became the fifth Monmouth player in history to have a 1,000-yard season, and recorded six 100-yard rushing performances among in addition to being named the Big South Co-Freshman of the Year.
“Boy was he right, opened a lot of people’s eyes that year and continued to do so going forward,” said Farris. “Playing with him was awesome. He’s a great guy on and off the field and one of the most motivated people I’ve ever met.”
Head Coach, Kevin Callahan, said that the football team is excited to see Guerriero in the NFL. Callahan said, “He has worked very hard to get this opportunity, and we are confident that he will make the most of it.”
The Panthers are 2-2, and with Guerriero on their practice squad, he adds major depth to the team. On offense, Guerriero will be of great help to them now especially due to star running back, Christian McCaffrey, being out on the Injured Reserve with an ankle sprain. Not only will he be of great value to Carolina as a running back, but he will also be useful to them on special teams as well.
Hawks Offensive Coordinator Jeff Gallo said that they are excited for Guerriero and praised his dedication and versatility. He said, “Pete has the vision, speed, and ball skills to help Carolina both on offense and special teams. He fits perfectly into Carolina’s offensive scheme that can take advantage of his elite speed and versatility.”
Gallo added, “Pete is a great representative of this football program and University, and we know that he will be successful.”
Guerriero is in strong company with current New York Jet Chris Hogan and former tight ends and teammates Shawn Clark and Jake Powell as Monmouth Hawks ready to make an impact in the 2020 NFL season. Clark and Powell both earned in-person camp invites while Guerriero is currently signed to a practice squad.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
