Holding commencement on the fourth Thursday in May is a long-standing tradition at Harvard University. In 2023, Sone Ntoh took part in that tradition, earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Ivy League institution.

On the fourth Friday of May 2023, Ntoh hopped in his car and drove straight to Monmouth University. The former Crimson football player had received an offer from Hawks’ Head Coach Kevin Callahan to continue both his academic and athletic journey and was eager to get started.

Ntoh had two years of football eligibility remaining and decided to use it at Monmouth while pursuing his MBA. On the gridiron, he was determined to tackle some unfinished business.

“I enjoyed my experience at Harvard, but my football career didn’t go as planned,” says Ntoh. “I’m a competitor and worked hard but wasn’t satisfied with what I accomplished on the field. I had an opportunity for a fresh start at Monmouth to make things right.”

Two seasons later, the Monmouth team captain and 2024 First Team All Coastal Athletic Association running back turned that “fresh start” into a record-setting finish to his collegiate football career. 

“Time brings perspective, and looking back, I put in four years of hard work at Harvard to enjoy these two years of success at Monmouth. Playing football for the Hawks has been a blessing.”

A Return to The End Zone

A Google search for “touchdowns” and “Ntoh” turns up pages of results—a connection dating back to his playing days at Emmaus High School in Pennsylvania. Blessed with size and speed, Ntoh also possesses a nose for the end zone. His mother, Nandi, and father, Marshall, proudly watched Sone celebrate touchdowns 46 times during his career at Emmaus.

Ntoh tallied three TDs for the Crimson in 2021, but his penchant for crossing the goal line exploded with the Hawks. In 2024, he led the Football Championship Subdivision in rushing touchdowns with 25 (setting a new single-season record at Monmouth) and total touchdowns with 26. 

After just two seasons with the Hawks, Ntoh ranks second in program history with 39 rushing touchdowns. He also matched a program record with five TDs in a victory over Fordham this season in Kessler Stadium.  “You have to believe you’re the best person for the job when the ball is in your hands,” says Ntoh. “I take pride in being called on to keep the chains moving or finish drives. I was brought here to excel in that role, and playing for coaches who believed in me was a huge factor in my success.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Ntoh, who was named to the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List, is now focused on pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL. He plans to put “everything into Pro Day in hopes of making an impression on an NFL organization.” At 5 feet, 11 inches, and 235 pounds, Ntoh has the prototypical size of an NFL short-yardage running back. 

When his playing days eventually do end, Ntoh envisions a career in consulting, project management, and real estate investment. Until then, his focus remains on the end zone.

“I want to continue playing football until they tell me I can’t play anymore,” says Ntoh. “When that day comes, I’ll move on and have two degrees—one from Harvard and a master’s from Monmouth. Not many people can say that.”

Props for his profs: “The professors here do such a great job of providing everything you need to be successful,” says Ntoh. “They give you their time, direct you to resources, and make sure you’re on top of your work.”