Temple University Athletics
Owls Select Tough Guys for Single Digit Jerseys
8.19.14 | Football
In 2013, the Temple Owls got back to a tradition of awarding single-digit jerseys to the toughest players on the team. This season, the coaches awarded four numbers and the players selected the balance.
By NCAA rule, offensive linemen are not permitted to wear single-digits and that prevented Kyle Friend and Dion Dawkins - each recognized by their peers as two of the toughest on the team - from changing their numbers.
Three players - Jalen Fitzpatrick, John Christopher and Tyler Matakevich - remained tough enough to retain their numbers from a year ago. The biggest surprise was that freshman Sean Chandler earned the respect of his peers as the players awarded him a single-digit jersey.
When awarding the single-digit jerseys, there was a lockjam on the ninth player. Head coach Matt Rhule decided that the #1 jersey would be given to the toughest player of the week. Therefore, the #1 will be worn by a different player from game to game.
2 - Avery Williams  Â
3 - Sean Chandler  Â
4 - Kenneth Harper  Â
5 - Jalen Fitzpatrick  Â
6 - Stephaun Marshall
7 - John Christopher
8 - Tyler Matakevich
9 - Matt Ioannidis
By NCAA rule, offensive linemen are not permitted to wear single-digits and that prevented Kyle Friend and Dion Dawkins - each recognized by their peers as two of the toughest on the team - from changing their numbers.
Three players - Jalen Fitzpatrick, John Christopher and Tyler Matakevich - remained tough enough to retain their numbers from a year ago. The biggest surprise was that freshman Sean Chandler earned the respect of his peers as the players awarded him a single-digit jersey.
When awarding the single-digit jerseys, there was a lockjam on the ninth player. Head coach Matt Rhule decided that the #1 jersey would be given to the toughest player of the week. Therefore, the #1 will be worn by a different player from game to game.
2 - Avery Williams  Â
3 - Sean Chandler  Â
4 - Kenneth Harper  Â
5 - Jalen Fitzpatrick  Â
6 - Stephaun Marshall
7 - John Christopher
8 - Tyler Matakevich
9 - Matt Ioannidis
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