Temple University Athletics
SPRING FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: TEMPLE'S MEN IN BLACK
4.3.02 | Football
"The players in black are proven defensive starters," said defensive coordinator Raymond Monica when questioned about the jerseys. "These are the guys that we know we can win with."
Senior defensive tackles Dan Klecko and Rob Sack, senior owlback Jairo Almonte, senior strong safety Lafton Thompson and senior cornerback Terrance Leftwich have earned the right to don the darkness. Senior free safety Jamal Wallace, who is not with the Owls during spring drills, has also played his way into the black.
Monica credits head coach Bobby Wallace with the idea of using the black jerseys as a motivational tool. During spring practice a defensive player can work his way into, or play his way out of, a black jersey.
The Owls return seven starters to a defense that concluded the 2001 season ranked 19th nationally in total defense. The team needs to replace departed defensive ends Raheem Brock and Jason Davis, inside linebacker Akeiff Staples and cornerback Chonn Lacey.
"We've used colored jerseys to recognize performance before," said Monica. "By the end of spring practice, we want to have 11, 12, 13, 14...18 guys dressed in black."
