Monmouth Football: Can WR Josh Derry take flight for Hawks in 2025?

As the Monmouth Hawks continue to develop talent across all phases of the game, wide receiver Josh Derry stands out as one of the program’s most intriguing prospects. With a combination of size, athleticism, and natural playmaking ability, Derry has emerged as a go-to target in the Hawks’ passing attack.

Whether it’s winning contested catches, creating separation on intermediate routes, or contributing after the catch, Derry brings a versatile skill set that makes him a key weapon for Monmouth football.

Derry has rapidly developed from a freshman contributor into one of the CAA’s top wide receivers by his sophomore season. With elite speed, big-play upside, and consistency, he’s a key offensive weapon for Monmouth and a player to watch for future professional opportunities—perhaps as a slot receiver or return specialist in the NFL.

This scouting report takes a closer look at Derry’s physical traits, technical abilities, and overall impact as he looks to take the next step in his football career.

Monmouth Football: Josh Derry Scouting Report

As a freshman in 2023, Derry had a limited role, recording just three receptions for 36 yards and a 12-yard touchdown. However, he broke out in 2024 as a sophomore, hauling in 60 catches for 917 yards and five touchdowns while averaging an impressive 15.3 yards per reception.

Derry broke out with a career-best performance against Maine last season. He recorded seven receptions for 227 yards and two touchdowns, including a Monmouth-record 94-yard touchdown catch. He became the 11th Hawk to catch 60 passes in a single season in program history.

He ranked eighth in the FCS and led the CAA with 91.7 receiving yards per game across 10 appearances, including five starts as a sophomore. Derry also contributed on the ground with two carries for 34 yards, highlighted by a 31-yard run.

Derry was recognized for his standout season with Second Team All-CAA honors and was also named to Phil Steele’s All-CAA Third Team, highlighting his impact as one of the conference’s top wide receivers.

Derry’s Player Profile

Route Running & Big-Play Ability

On the field, Derry runs sharp and precise routes. His tape shows crisp in‑breaks and excellent timing on slants and curl routes, creating sudden separation. The Towson, Maryland, native utilizes a low center of gravity and good hands to generate yards-after-catch, breaking tackles, and turning short passes into chunk gains.

Derry can align anywhere on the field, demonstrating the ability to go the distance on any play. On screens and intermediate routes, he displays the ability to read blocks and adjust angles quickly to maximize gains. The dominant wide out continues to be a go-to for explosive plays on vertical routes and screens.

Ball Skills

Monmouth’s No. 1 wide receiver has reliable hands, logging minimal drops. Derry consistently wins high-point and contested catches, bailing out his quarterback on 50-50 balls. He tracks the ball naturally and fights through contact at the line scrimmage. Though not physically dominant, he’s effective in contested scenarios.

2025 Projections

As Derry prepares for the 2025 season, he is already a clear No. 1 target in Monmouth’s offense. The Hawks have high expectations for the junior wide receiver. Expect Derry to sustain 60+ receptions and 800+ receiving yards this upcoming season.

With his game-wrecking ability on fly routes, Monmouth football can produce an explosive offense in 2025. Derry’s strong fundamentals will translate to high production on the field. At 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, he has size limitations, but he’ll likely be viewed as a slot receiver in the NFL.

During this season, expect Derry to continue being a precise route-runner, a reliable and tough receiver with big-play upside, and a potential return specialist. Expect him to lead Monmouth’s offense again in 2025, build on his breakout season, and emerge as a viable mid-to-late NFL draft candidate, especially if he continues his trajectory.