Temple University Athletics
2008 Spring Outlook
3.17.08 | Football
March 17, 2008
2008 Spring Prospectus in PDF Format 
The third season under head coach Al Golden could be the charm for the Temple football team which returns all but one starter from last year's squad.
After playing the nation's most freshmen for the second consecutive year, Golden guided the Owls to four wins last fall, all in conference play during their inaugural season of Mid-American Conference play. The 2008 Owls look to continue their winning ways with sights on a MAC Championship and bowl appearance.
"It is true we have played the most freshmen in America over the course of the last two years," Golden said. "What is in doubt is whether or not these freshmen played out of necessity or because they were good enough. That is what this year will demonstrate to us. For the first time since our arrival, we will be at full strength as a class of 35 more incoming freshmen ascend on North Broad Street. There are only 60 spots available on the travel squad, but there will finally be 85 players on scholarship. This means that for the first time since our arrival, we have the option to redshirt student-athletes. It also means that it will be considerably more difficult to get on the bus this year than in years past. With competition tightening, more than likely the determining factor for getting on the bus will be players' contributions to special teams, dedication to the team, academics and off-field conduct. Our staff has made a commitment to play the best players. What will be interesting to see is which players get redshirted; the incoming freshmen or members of the previous two classes that have played significantly for us over the last two seasons. This will be determined as we open up training camp this summer."
The first insight into the 2008 team begins with spring practice which kicks off on Tuesday, March 18. The 15 sessions over the 34 days should help identify the team's needs before the freshmen join the ranks in August. Spring drills conclude on Saturday, April 19 with the team's annual Cherry & White intra-squad scrimmage at the Ambler (Pa.) Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for 1:15 p.m.
Taking the field this spring are 90 returning student-athletes, including 55 letterwinners and 21 starters. Joining the Owls are three members of the Local 215 (walk-on) program and three mid-year transfers. Among the team's primary objectives are to attack, execute, and finish every rep on every play; to make fundamentals and repetition the focal point; and to become a physically, mentally, and competitively tough team.
"We need to become dominant on special teams," Golden said. "We also need to run the football with authority on offense and stop the run on defense."
For the third consecutive year, Temple signed the top recruiting class in the MAC by Scout.com. Geographically, 22 signees came from within TU's recruiting footprint, with 12 student-athletes listing their hometown in Pennsylvania and four hailing from New Jersey. Ten signees hail from Southeastern Pennsylvania, including five from the Philadelphia metro area. Golden stated that he was going to pursue a MAC title with local talent, and he is holding true to that with signing numerous Pennsylvania and New Jersey players.
Eighteen of the 26 signees served as team captains (69%), while 14 of the 22 high school signees attended the Al Golden Football Camp (64%). Three of the signees have been invited to play in the Big 33 All-Star Game, the most in the Golden Era. Additionally, the Temple Admissions Department has said that this is football's "Best recruiting class in eight years."
Three of the signees--James Nixon, Jared Williams, and Josh Williams-- enrolled at Temple in January and will participate in spring drills.
"All three are doing a good job making the transition to college life," Golden shared. "They are becoming familiar with their teammates, coaches and the Temple University community; adjusting to the academic rigors associated with being a Division I student-athlete; and being introduced to our football program's core values and expectations. All three are not quite accustomed to the tempo of the college game, and the off-season program here at Temple, but they are starting to adapt and improve on a daily basis. We fully project all three to compete for starting jobs this spring. James and Jared will compete at the running back position, while Josh is expected to compete at defensive tackle."
OFFENSE
The Temple offense returns all 11 starters among the 25 lettermen. The unit will be under the direction of first-year offensive coordinator Matt Rhule who takes over the play calling after coaching the quarterbacks for two seasons. Rhule will continue to utilize a multiple offensive system designed to create a balanced running game and passing game.
"We are making a commitment to run the ball 70 percent of the time this spring," Golden shared. "We want to be able to run the ball with power and authority. Our three objectives every time we touch the football on offense are to score a touchdown, kick a field goal, or make the opponent go 80 (yards against our defense). We need to improve fundamentally through increased repetition and simplicity - be consistently consistent."
Starting senior quarterback Adam DiMichele is expected to participate in non-contact spring drills as he continues to rehabilitate from surgery to fix a fractured tibia. Named the Owl's MVP last fall, DiMichele is anxious to return to the playing field and is working hard to return to action next fall.
DiMichele was the model of efficiency for the Owls in 2007. Starting the first eight games before suffering a season-ending injury, he finished first in team passing with 138-of-223 for 1,595 yards and 12 touchdowns (61.9 percent). DiMichele also finished first in total offense with 1,705 yards in 298 plays (213.1 yards per game). Leading his team to three consecutive wins in MAC play, DiMichele orchestrated a dramatic comeback at Akron, leading the Owls from a 20-3 fourth quarter deficit to a 24-20 win with three touchdowns to earn MAC Offensive Player of the Week honors and OwlSports.com Athlete of the Week honors.
"We are strong up the middle with our quarterback and our center," Golden said. "Both are veteran players that love the game, prepare at the elite level, and compete on each and every rep."
Junior Vaughn Charlton, who took over the starting duties in DiMichele's absence, has done a remarkable job. Both quarterbacks are tough, unselfish leaders who have earned the confidence of the coaching staff. Charlton played in seven games, starting the last four contests. He finished the season 78-of-137 for 808 yards and three touchdowns.
In addition to the two starters, Rhule will guide redshirt juniors Andrew Case and Colin Clancy as well as redshirt freshman Chester Stewart. The trio did not see game action in 2007 although Clancy and Chester moved on the depth chart behind Charlton for the last four games. True freshman Mike Gerardi, who enrolled at Temple in January, joined the team as a walk-on this spring.
In his first season in charge of the offensive line, coach Andrew Dees will guide an experienced troop. The offensive line will be anchored by redshirt senior center Alex Derenthal, the most experienced Owl. Having started 35 consecutive games, he earned the team's Offensive MVP and Top Hog honors as the best offensive lineman in 2007. One of two offensive starters to start all 12 games, Derenthal earned the coaches' player of the game accolade twice.
On the left side, redshirt junior Devin Tyler and sophomores Derek Dennis and Colin Madison will compete to hold onto their starting spots. Two of 12 true freshmen to see game action last fall, Dennis started 10 games at right guard, while Madison anchors the left guard spot, where he started last season. Sophomore Lloyd Codada is also expected to play on the left side.
At right guard is sophomore Chris Tremel. A member of the defensive line last season as a true freshman, Tremel played in all 12 games as a reserve. Starting redshirt seniors Jabari Ferguson and Andre Douglas will share time at right tackle. Ferguson saw action every game last year, playing at right guard and left tackle. Douglas was one of only seven Owls to start all 12 games. Junior Darius Morris, who saw action in nine games with four starts last fall, adds depth to the right side. Others competing for time are redshirt sophomore Bryce Carter, redshirt senior Marcos Hanna, redshirt senior Brison Manor III, redshirt freshmen John Palumbo, Jeff Passmore, and Jeremy Schonbrunner.
"The offensive line is loaded with experience and talent," Golden said. "Last year they lacked the cohesiveness, love and respect for the position, and the strength and toughness to win down the stretch in the MAC East race."
In his first season with the Owl coaching staff, newcomer Ed Foley has several candidates to play at tight end. Senior Kevin Armstrong, junior Steve Maneri and sophomore Matt Balasavage shared stating nods last season. Named the Most Improved Player following spring 2007 drills, Armstrong started 10 games at TE last fall, finishing third in receptions with 28 catches for 277 yards. Maneri, who started three games while playing in all 12, is listed atop the spring depth chart. He will be challenged by Balasavage, who saw limited action as a true freshman last fall. Also competing for time will be junior Marcus Brown, and redshirt sophomore Anthony Pekarski.
Losing just senior fullback Josh Bundy to graduation, Tyree Foreman has a stacked backfield heading into 2008. Junior tailback Jason Harper led all TU rushers last fall with 586 yards on 163 carries. He is expected to have stiff competition from newcomers James Nixon and Jared Williams. A mid-year student that enrolled at Temple in January 2008, Nixon comes to Owl Country after a semester at Bridgton Academy. He led the Hyde Leadership School to two undefeated seasons while playing both sides of the ball. Williams also enrolled mid-year after spending last fall at Arizona Western College. Both newcomers will compete as true freshmen. At fullback, freshman walk-on Mike LaBarre, a member of Temple's 215 Local program, enters spring drills atop the depth chart. He is joined by redshirt senior Marcellous Grigsby who saw action in seven games last fall. Junior Seth Amoah, redshirt junior Bryce Buffaloe, redshirt freshman Joe Jones, and redshirt junior Peter Wichmann will provide additional competition. Jones suffered a season-ending injury during training camp and missed the entire 2007 season.
"We have a lot of talent, but do we have a player that has the toughness to separate from the crowd and help us compete for the MAC title?" Golden said. "Do we have a player on campus that wants to carry the ball 25 times?"
Kevin Gilbride has a plethora of receivers. Senior Bruce Francis, a 2007 Phil Steele Publications' All-MAC honoree, is Temple's top returning receiver in both yardage and receptions. Entering 2008 having made a reception in 26 consecutive games, he finished 2007 with 47 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns, averaging a team-best 73.1 receiving yards per game. Redshirt senior Travis Shelton also returns for his final season. Junior Dy'Onne Crudup, who finished second in team receiving with 39 catches for 376 yards and three touchdowns, will challenge for a starting role. Sophomores Michael Campbell, Delano Green, and Marquise Liverpool round out the list of returnees. All three saw action as true freshmen.
"We need to find a playmaker in the WR corps other than Bruce Francis," Golden said. "As a whole, the offense needs to build an identity. We need to identify who we are during spring ball and build the offense around it."
Redshirt sophomore Senate Alexander, redshirt junior Phil Bartocci, sophomore Nyles Bynum, sophomore Josh Hutchison, redshirt senior Steven McMurray, redshirt junior Ricky Ueberroth, and redshirt freshman Deione Sydnor-Robinson will provide additional depth.
DEFENSE
The Temple defense returns all 11 starters and 28 letterwinners. Under the guidance of assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio, the Owls led the Mid-American Conference in five statistical categories in 2007, including total defense. Led by All-MAC honorees Andre Neblett and Dominque Harris, TU was also the nation's best in red zone defense. How does Temple improve upon being the best? Focus and preparation.
"No doubt, the defense made great strides in 2007; however, we have a long way to go to get to championship level," Golden said. "We still have way too many guys that do not understand the level of focus and preparation required and ultimately how hard they have to compete every day just to have a chance to win. Some still struggle to understand the level of intensity and finish required on every down to be a title contender. This is evidenced by the fact that we did not have a single player make first-team All-Mid-American Conference. We have the talent and potential to be an outstanding defense; what is uncertain is if we have the trust and commitment to get there."
The strength of TU's defense begins with the defensive line. Under the guidance of Jared Backus, the line has experience and depth. Neblett anchors the line at nose tackle. Last fall, he was one of just seven Owls to start every game, recording 42 tackles, 8.5 TFL, and 4.5 sacks. This spring he'll be joined by transfer Josh Williams. A three-star prospect by Scout.com, he attended Arizona Western College the last two years.
At defensive end, redshirt senior Leyon Azubuike returns to his starting role. A team captain in 2007, he started every game and finished with 36 tackles. Junior Brian Sanford, who played in every contest a year ago, will provide depth. At tackle, senior Terrance Knighton will resume his starting position. Named to Phil Steele Publications' 2007 All-MAC team and the Owls' Defensive MVP, he played in every game, racking up 8.5 TFL and a team-best three fumble recoveries. Sophomore Elisha Joseph, who saw action in every game as a true freshman, will once again provide depth behind the experienced senior. Also expected to see action are junior Junior Galette and sophomore Morris Blueford. Galette, who played in every game, led TU with 11.5 TFL and a team-best 7.5 sacks. Blueford saw action in all 12 games as a true freshman, finishing with 21 tackles and two interceptions. Additional depth will come from junior Terrance Banks, redshirt sophomore Grigory Frenk, redshirt junior James Namude, redshirt sophomore Dave Nwasike, and redshirt junior Daniel Popper, and redshirt senior James Tindall.
"Our defensive line is experienced and deep," Golden said. "But will we be strong enough to hold up against the run, yet disciplined enough to develop the skill set necessary to increase our sack and TFL output? We were pushed around by multiple MAC teams in 2007."
An area in need of improvement is the linebacker unit. Under the direction of Curtis Bray, the linebackers are strong in numbers while still relatively young. In the middle, junior Alex Joseph returns. A starter, he finished fourth in team tackling with 66 tackles. Redshirt senior Omar McDonnaugh-Hales, who had nine starts in the middle last season, will compete for a starting role. Senior Tommie Weatherspoon, who saw action in 11 games, will compete for a starting role during his final season. On the outside, redshirt junior Lamar McPherson played in all 12 games during his first season in Owl Country. The transfer student had 29 tackles, including five TFL. A Local 215 product, junior John Haley saw action in every game, recording 33 tackles and two fumble recoveries. Also on the outside are sophomores Amara Kamara and Elijah Joseph. Kamara was the only true freshman to start every game last fall, while Joseph returns after playing in five contests as a true freshman. Joining him this spring will be Jordan Martin, a redshirt junior who played at Valparaiso but has yet to see action as an Owl. Also expected to compete for time will be senior Wallace Bates, redshirt freshman Walt Dixon, redshirt sophomore Robert Feeley, junior Le'Ron Irwin, redshirt freshmen Stephen Johnson and Josh Quintana.
"The linebackers are talented but just a collection of individuals at this point," Golden said. "They have no identity and lack leadership and discipline."
Perhaps the strongest area on defense is the secondary under the guidance of Paul Williams. At strong safety redshirt junior Dominique Harris and senior Georg Coleman return. Harris started all 12 games a year ago and led every defender with 81 tackles, five break-ups, and three interceptions. Coleman also saw action in every game with five starts. He finished with 26 tackles and two interceptions. At free safety, sophomore Jaiquawn Jarrett returns to compete for a starting role. Named the special teams MVP last fall, he played in all 12 games with six starts at free safety. One of 12 true freshmen to receive a starting nod, he helped the secondary that led the MAC in pass defense while also playing on the kickoff, punt, and punt return teams. Senior Richard Sheppard, who saw limited action because of an injury, is expected to challenge for the starting nod.
At corner, junior Anthony Ferla and sophomore Jamal Schulters lead the pack. A two-year starter and team captain who started every contest last fall, Ferla finished with 45 tackles and two forced fumbles. Schulters made 10 starts at corner as a true freshman, while finishing second in team tackling with 74 takedowns. Additional help will come from seniors Tommie Williams and Evan Cooper, Jr., and sophomore Daryl Robinson. Williams saw limited action last fall, while Cooper saw action in every game with one start. Robinson switches to defensive back this spring after playing tailback in all 12 games as a true freshman.
Providing depth to the defensive backs are junior Wilbert Brinson, redshirt freshman Obadele Brown, redshirt freshman Tim Dollison, and redshirt senior Jonathan Miller.
"The secondary has experience and depth but left too many plays that could have changed the game on the field (with interceptions)," Golden said. "The biggest question we face is do we have corners that have developed the discipline and technique to win with in-man coverage."
SPECIAL TEAMS
In addition to his head coaching duties, Golden assigned himself the task of special teams coordinator last season.
"There needs to be marked improvement from the special teams units if we are going to contend for a MAC title," Golden said. "We were too young and inexperienced in 2007 to play good special teams. We played the most freshmen in America last season and that also applied to our special teams units. We struggled mightily in 2007 on special teams; however, we only lost one contributor from our roster which gives us plenty to be excited about heading into the spring."
Returning are kickers Jake Brownell and Jeff Wathne who each saw action in every game. A junior placekicker , Brownell handled the Owls' field goals and extra points. Wathne handled the punting and a majority of the kickoffs.
"We need to get more production from our punters and kickers," Golden said. "Specifically, we cannot miss opportunities to put points on the board with our field goal unit, and we need greater distance and hang time on both punts and kickoffs. To shore this up, we have invited at least five more kickers to training camp in August in addition to Wathne, Brownell, and (redshirt freshman Kevin) Giunta. So we anticipate competition for kicking jobs to be tight going into the 2008 season."
Golden did see some bright spots with his young units.
"On a positive note we finished No. 21 in the nation in blocked field goals with an extremely young defense and No. 15 in the country in kickoff coverage," Golden said. "We hope with more experience and hard work this spring that these two categories can see even more improvement. Another bright spot was the emergence of Delano Green as a punt returner during the home stretch of the 2007 season."
Green, a sophomore, finished with seven punt returns for 73 yards. Sophomore Jaiquawn Jarrett, who received the special teams most valuable player award in 2007, saw action on the kickoff, punt, and punt return units.
Sophomore Jamal Schulters and senior Travis Shelton shared kickoff return duties. Schulters made 10 returns for 184 yards, while Shelton netted a 21.9 yard average on 34 returns.
2008 SCHEDULE
Temple enters its second season of MAC play with five home games and four nationally televised contests. Temple opens the 2008 season at Army on Friday, August 29 before a national television audience on ESPNU or ESPN Classic.
In their home opener, the Owls host Connecticut (Sept. 6) at Lincoln Financial Field. TU then takes to the road for two games, opening its second season of MAC play at Buffalo (Sept. 13) before heading to perennial powerhouse and intra-state rival Penn State (Sept. 20).
The Owls entertain MAC foe Western Michigan (Sept. 27) in the conference home opener and then continue MAC play on the road, travelling to Miami (Oct. 4) and Central Michigan (Oct. 11).
Following a bye week, Temple hosts Ohio on Tuesday, Oct. 21 before a national audience on ESPN2. The game has also been designated as "Breast Cancer Awareness" Day, spearheaded by Golden and his wife Kelly. Portions of the ticket proceeds will be donated to "Susan G. Komen for the Cure Philadelphia Affiliate".
Temple then travels to Annapolis for a nationally televised game with Navy (Nov. 1) for its final non-conference contest. The game will be televised live by CBS College Sports Network (formerly CSTV). The Owls travel to Kent State (Wed., Nov. 12) for a nationally televised game on ESPN2 or ESPN 360.
Temple closes out the regular season with two home games, entertaining Eastern Michigan (Nov. 22) and Akron (Friday, Nov. 28) at Lincoln Financial Field. The 2008 MAC Championship will take place at Ford Field in Detroit (Friday, Dec. 5) on ESPN2.
OFF THE FIELD
In addition to taking classes and training for the season, the Temple Owls are enthusiastically involved with several community service projects through the year. Organized by Ryan McNamee, assistant director of football operations, the Owls have helped clean up recreation centers around the city and fed the homeless at area shelters. And their work continues. On April 16, the football team will conduct a Bone Marrow Drive on campus in conjunction with Temple Fox Chase Medical Center.
"I would have to say it's our players overall approach to community service and our Owl Outreach Program," Golden said of his proudest moments. "We have had 51 players venture out into the Temple campus and local Delaware Valley communities over the past two months."
Golden is also proud of his team's performance in the class room last fall. More than 20 players made the Athletic Director's List for achieving over a 3.0 grade-point average. Additionally, three Owls are members of the University's honor program, while two incoming student-athletes have already been accepted to the honors college.
