Temple University Athletics
NT Andre Neblett
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
Andre Neblett: Déjà vu
11.21.09 | Football
Gameday Feature Story
by Cathy Bongiovi, Temple Athletic Communications
Today Andre Neblett and his fellow senior teammates will walk out of the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field for the last time as Temple Owls.
The Linc has been their home field for four years, and the Owls have enjoyed great success in the place that impressed Neblett during his recruiting trip.
“When I walked in, I was wowed,” he recalled. “I watched so many NFL games there, and I made it my home field. Now I'm going to be leaving it.”
His host that day was Terrance Knighton, a first-team All-MAC honoree last season and a 2009 NFL draft pick who now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“He showed me around the stadium. I have a lot of memories.”
This year Temple has made national news. Winning eight consecutive games after an 0-2 start, guaranteeing a winning season for the first time since 1990, and becoming bowl eligible have all been fruits of a four-year labor process.
For Neblett, hard work and sacrifice are nothing new.
“For me, it's like déjà vu,” Neblett explained. “We went through many of these same things in high school. It really felt great to see it all happen again especially this year, now that we're winning, and trusting the coaches and knowing that it really works. Just seeing it come together is amazing.”
At Rahway (N.J.) High School, Neblett was a two-year team captain and four-year letterman, playing fullback and linebacker under head coach and former Temple defensive back Gary Mobley. Neblett saw that team turn around, going 10-2 his senior year with a nine-game win streak and an appearance in the sectional championship.
Mobley talked up his alma mater. Then Neblett spoke with the Owls' new head coach, Al Golden.
“I knew what he was about and what he wanted to do with the program,” Neblett said. “I just saw coming to Temple as a great opportunity.”
During his four seasons on the North Broad Street campus, Neblett has flourished. A four-year starter and a team captain this fall, the nose tackle is an All-MAC selection. He has anchored the Owls' defensive line.
“Andre's one of the strongest defensive linemen I've ever been around,” Golden said. “He's a smart player. He studies film and works really hard. He's a leader. I can't say enough good things about him.”
As a senior, Neblett is a Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award candidate.
But the criminal justice major has something else on his mind.
“I spend time with my books,” he revealed. “I'm trying to get an education. I take that seriously.”
Despite his busy days, Neblett still keeps in touch with his mentor Knighton.
“I spoke with him the other day,” Neblett shared. “He was giving me advice on graduating. Hopefully if I get an opportunity to play at the next level, he'll give me some tips there.”
Neblett would like to work with children when his playing days are over.
“If I can change just one kid's life the way some of the people in my life have done, then that would be great.”
But until then, Neblett has some unfinished business with his teammates.
Last July, Neblett and fellow senior Dominique Harris received a rare, inside view of Detroit's Ford Field, home of the MAC Championship game and of course, the Detroit Lions.
As MAC players in attendance for the conference's annual media day, they toured the locker rooms and walked on the field. Now with two regular-season games remaining, Neblett's dream of playing at Ford Field is almost a reality.
“It's a beautiful place,” Neblett said. “I just envision us-- the whole team-- walking out of that tunnel, the lights, the Temple fans, the whole place going crazy. I will tell my teammates that it's something we have to experience. I talked to some of the guys that were at the championship game last year. They said it was a great experience.”
“To see our team and where we've come from, getting back to Detroit will be a great experience for us,” Neblett said.
Only two opponents stand between the Owls and a trip to Detroit. For Neblett, it's just déjà vu.
Today Andre Neblett and his fellow senior teammates will walk out of the tunnel at Lincoln Financial Field for the last time as Temple Owls.
The Linc has been their home field for four years, and the Owls have enjoyed great success in the place that impressed Neblett during his recruiting trip.
“When I walked in, I was wowed,” he recalled. “I watched so many NFL games there, and I made it my home field. Now I'm going to be leaving it.”
His host that day was Terrance Knighton, a first-team All-MAC honoree last season and a 2009 NFL draft pick who now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“He showed me around the stadium. I have a lot of memories.”
This year Temple has made national news. Winning eight consecutive games after an 0-2 start, guaranteeing a winning season for the first time since 1990, and becoming bowl eligible have all been fruits of a four-year labor process.
For Neblett, hard work and sacrifice are nothing new.
“For me, it's like déjà vu,” Neblett explained. “We went through many of these same things in high school. It really felt great to see it all happen again especially this year, now that we're winning, and trusting the coaches and knowing that it really works. Just seeing it come together is amazing.”
At Rahway (N.J.) High School, Neblett was a two-year team captain and four-year letterman, playing fullback and linebacker under head coach and former Temple defensive back Gary Mobley. Neblett saw that team turn around, going 10-2 his senior year with a nine-game win streak and an appearance in the sectional championship.
Mobley talked up his alma mater. Then Neblett spoke with the Owls' new head coach, Al Golden.
“I knew what he was about and what he wanted to do with the program,” Neblett said. “I just saw coming to Temple as a great opportunity.”
During his four seasons on the North Broad Street campus, Neblett has flourished. A four-year starter and a team captain this fall, the nose tackle is an All-MAC selection. He has anchored the Owls' defensive line.
“Andre's one of the strongest defensive linemen I've ever been around,” Golden said. “He's a smart player. He studies film and works really hard. He's a leader. I can't say enough good things about him.”
As a senior, Neblett is a Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award candidate.
But the criminal justice major has something else on his mind.
“I spend time with my books,” he revealed. “I'm trying to get an education. I take that seriously.”
Despite his busy days, Neblett still keeps in touch with his mentor Knighton.
“I spoke with him the other day,” Neblett shared. “He was giving me advice on graduating. Hopefully if I get an opportunity to play at the next level, he'll give me some tips there.”
Neblett would like to work with children when his playing days are over.
“If I can change just one kid's life the way some of the people in my life have done, then that would be great.”
But until then, Neblett has some unfinished business with his teammates.
Last July, Neblett and fellow senior Dominique Harris received a rare, inside view of Detroit's Ford Field, home of the MAC Championship game and of course, the Detroit Lions.
As MAC players in attendance for the conference's annual media day, they toured the locker rooms and walked on the field. Now with two regular-season games remaining, Neblett's dream of playing at Ford Field is almost a reality.
“It's a beautiful place,” Neblett said. “I just envision us-- the whole team-- walking out of that tunnel, the lights, the Temple fans, the whole place going crazy. I will tell my teammates that it's something we have to experience. I talked to some of the guys that were at the championship game last year. They said it was a great experience.”
“To see our team and where we've come from, getting back to Detroit will be a great experience for us,” Neblett said.
Only two opponents stand between the Owls and a trip to Detroit. For Neblett, it's just déjà vu.
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