Temple University Athletics
Spring Practice #2 Recap
3.19.09 | Football
March 19, 2009
PHILADELPHIA-- Into every spring practice a little rain must fall. For the Temple Owl football team, Thursday was the day as the squad endured a misty rain during its second practice of the spring season at Edberg-Olson Hall.
Following the Owls' morning practice, the graduating seniors were evaluated by NFL scouts. In a heavier rain, ten pro scout and six coaches from 13 NFL teams ran drills and timed 36 potential players, including 15 Owl seniors. The complete list of participating players is attached.
Senior DT Terrance Knighton (Windsor, Conn.), who participated in the 2009 NFL Combine last month in Indianapolis, was heavily watched.
"It's nerve-racking, but it's what I've been working towards since I was seven or eight years old," Knighton said. "The hard part is out of the way now. Now it's just a waiting process."
Under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Al Golden, this season's squad returns 17 starters, including nine on defense.
Temple's next practice is Saturday, March 21 at 9 a.m. All practices are open only to Temple football alumni, Xtra Point Club members, and high school coaches, provided the individuals register in Edberg-Olson Hall before visiting the field. Practices are closed to the general public.
Temple opens the 2009 season with cross-town rival Villanova in the inaugural Mayor's Cup on Thursday, Sept. 3 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Temple football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $90, and can be purchased by calling the Temple Ticket Office at 215-204-8499. Fans are encouraged to visit www.OwlsTix.com for full season ticket pricing information.
Terrance Knighton Quotes
How tough were the drills:
It's crazy. It's what I expected. They're investing their money in certain people, and they want to know everything about them. Hopefully I met the standards to the type of players they want. To get drafted in April is my goal, and that's why I plan to work hard to get there.
What's it feel like to be so close to your dream:
It's nerve-racking, but it's what I've been working towards since I was seven or eight years old. The hard part is out of the way now. Now it's just a waiting process. Coaches are going to call you to see what type of person you are.
Are you happy?
Yes, I'm very happy. A little out of breath, but I worked hard. It's not over yet.
What was running through your mind this morning?
I didn't get much sleep last night, tossing and turning, just getting nervous. At the Combine, I was the only Temple guy there, so I was kind of nervous throughout the process. Being at Temple with all my teammates and guys that you developed with, it's more relaxing. And you have the younger guys here cheering you one. It's a little easier process.
Does the cheering help you?
Yes. When you're done, you kind of know you did a good job if they're cheering you on. If it's complete silence, you know that you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing.
What would it mean to your family if you're drafted?
Everything. My grandmother has basically told me since I born, being the first grandchild, that from day one I wanted to play football. She made sure I was going to play football and stay out of trouble. My mom worked so hard, being a single parent with three kids. I feed off my mom. I feel if she could go through it, I can go through it. That's what I try to keep my mind on when I doing things like this.
