Temple University Athletics
2009 Spring Outlook
3.27.09 | Football
March 27, 2009
Temple football under fourth-year head coach Al Golden continues to grow and prosper. The 2009 squad returns 21 starters to 17 positions.
Recording the program's most wins in 18 years last fall, Golden guided the Owls to five wins and a second-place finish in the Mid-American Conference East Division. The Owls faced adversity along the way, dropping three contests on the final play of the game. The 2009 Owls look to continue their winning ways with sights on a MAC Championship and bowl appearance.
"I think of the positives," Golden said of what his team returns." If you look at where we were three years ago, not even three years ago. You think about the first half of last season, 0-5 the first half of last season. Where we were two months into the season. Or if you even think about just where we were 12 months ago, 13 months ago. It's a completely different team right now. It's a completely different operation. We have a nice group coming back, we really do. We lose two starters on defense and four on offense, so I can't look at it in any other way other than optimistic."
The first insight into the 2009 team begins with spring practice which kicks off on Tuesday, March 17. 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 18 with the team's annual Cherry & White intra-squad scrimmage at the Edberg-Olson Football Complex. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
Taking the field this spring are 91 returning student-athletes, including 51 letterwinners and 17 starters. Joining the Owls are five members of the Local 215 (walk-on) program and two 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.
In February, Temple signed 28 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Geographically, 21 signees came from within TU's recruiting footprint, with 10 student-athletes listing their hometown in Pennsylvania and 11 hailing from New Jersey. Eight signees hail from Southeastern Pennsylvania, including six 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.
Fifteen of the signees served as team captains (54%), while 17 of the 21 high school signees attended the Al Golden Football Camp (81%). Two of the signees--Alex Jackson and Deonte Parker-- enrolled at Temple in January and will participate in spring drills.
Offense
The Temple offense returns 10 players to eight starting positions among the 24 lettermen. Under the direction of second-year offensive coordinator Matt Rhule, TU will continue to utilize a multiple offensive system designed to create a balanced running game and passing game.
Following the loss of three-year QB starter Adam DiMichele to graduation, Temple has some big shoes to fill. However, both quarterbacks-- redshirt junior Vaughn Charlton and redshirt sophomore Chester Stewart-- have starting experience for the Owls under their belts.
Charlton, who took over the starting duties in DiMichele's absence in the fall of 2007, spent the 2008 season as a redshirt, helping the offense from the sidelines. He is a tough, unselfish leader who has earned the confidence of the coaching staff. Charlton played in seven games, starting the last four contests. He finished the 2007 season 78-of-137 for 808 yards and three touchdowns.
As a redshirt freshman, Stewart stepped in for DiMichele last fall, starting three games under center. In six contests, Stewart went 53-of-106 for 524 yards and four touchdowns.
In addition to the two starters, Rhule will guide redshirt sophomore Mike Gerardi who enrolled at Temple in January as a walk-on last spring. He did not see game action in 2008.
In his second season with the offensive line, coach Andrew Dees will guide a young, but experienced troop.
On the left side, sophomore Pat Boyle and redshirt Marcus Brown will compete at tackle. Boyle started four games as a true freshman last fall, while Brown redshirted. Brown played in all 12 games with 10 starts as a true freshman in 2006. At guard, redshirt sophomore John Palumbo is expected to start after switching from the right side. In 2008, Palumbo played in nine games with five starts at right guard. He'll compete with redshirt junior Darius Morris who returns after a redshirt season.
At center, sophomore Wayne Tribue replaces four-year starter Alex Derenthal. A starter in nine games at left guard as a true freshman, Tribue made the most starting appearances of any freshman in 2008. Redshirt junior Jeremy Schonbrunner will add depth at the position.
At right guard is junior Colin Madison who played in six games last fall. Redshirt freshman walk-on Steve Ciocci is also expected to compete. Redshirt senior Devin Tyler moves from the left side to right tackle, replacing two-year starter Andre Douglas who graduated. The three-year starter received the starting nod in five contests a year ago.
Others competing for time are junior Derek Dennis, sophomore Sean Boyle, and freshman walk-on Simon Ogunleye, redshirt freshman walk-on Matt Paul. Sophomore Steve Caputo, who started two games as a true freshman, is expected to sit out during spring drills.
In his second season with the Owl coaching staff, newcomer Ed Foley has a new list of candidates to play at tight end. Starter Steve Maneri returns for his senior season. Seeing action in all 12 games, Maneri is the top returning TE with 14 receptions for 150 yards and four touchdowns. He will be challenged by redshirt sophomore Matt Balasavage, who played in seven games as a true freshman in 2007 and returns after a redshirt season.
Also competing for time will be redshirt junior Robert Feeley, redshirt freshman Richard Fricke, redshirt freshman Mike LaBarre, redshirt junior Anthony Pekarski, redshirt sophomore Evan Rodriguez, redshirt junior Paul Turkavage, and redshirt freshman Lawrence Turner.
Coach Tyree Foreman has a youthful, experienced backfield heading into 2009. Redshirt senior Lamar McPherson anchors the speedy youngsters. McPherson played in 11 contests last fall after moving to offense from linebacker. Sophomore Ahkeem Smith, who played in six games as a true freshman, is expected to share action. Sophomore Kee-ayre Griffin, who emerged as the Owl rushing leader as a true freshman last fall, will also compete. He led TU with 394 yards on 96 carries for five touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore Joe Jones, who shared the starting role with Griffin last fall, is also expected to provide depth. Jones had 100 carries for 275 yards and a touchdown in 2008. Freshman walk-ons Zack Collins and Bob DeLucas will add competition at fullback.
Coach Kevin Gilbride has a huge hole to fill with the graduation of All-MAC honoree and school record holder Bruce Francis. But Gilbride's arsenal is loaded with talent. Senior Jason Harper returns for his final season with the Cherry & White. A starter in nine games, he had 571 yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches in his first season at receiver.
Senior Dy'Onne Crudup also returns for his final season. He recorded 214 yards and a touchdown on 15 receptions last fall. Sophomore James Nixon, who burst onto the scene as a true freshman, is expected to receive the third starting nod. Having played in all 12 games, Nixon rushed 19 times for 110 yards last fall. Junior Nyles Bynum, redshirt sophomore Deione Sydnor-Robinson, and freshman Matt Brown will challenge for a starting role. Redshirt freshmen Devin Baker, Charles Ferguson, and C.J. Hammond, as well as juniors Michael Campbell, Delano Green, and Josh Hutchison, round out the list of returnees.
Defense
The Temple defense returns 11 players to nine starting positions and 25 letterwinners. Under the guidance of assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio, the Owls will be led by All-MAC honorees Andre Neblett and Dominique Harris.
The strength of TU's defense begins with the defensive line. Under the guidance of former NFL coach Randy Melvin, in his first season at Temple, the line has experience and depth. Senior Andre Neblett anchors the line at nose tackle. A three-year starter, he recorded 36 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and two forced fumbles. This spring he'll be joined by redshirt junior Dave Nwasike.
At defensive end, senior Brian Sanford returns to his starting role. One of just seven Owls to start every game, Sanford had 31 tackles and three sacks last fall. Sophomore Adrian Robinson is expected to maintain his starting role which he earned at the end of his freshman season.
Adding depth will be sophomore Morkeith Brown, redshirt sophomore Morris Blueford, redshirt junior Jerry Barlow, freshman Alex Jackson, senior James Namude, freshman Ryan Skotnicki, and redshirt freshman Cameron Wise. Senior Junior Galette is expected to sit out spring drills.
Filling the vacancy left by First-Team All-MAC honoree Terrance Knighton is junior Elisha Joseph, who saw action in every game last fall. Also expected to see action are sophomore Muhammad Wilkerson and redshirt junior Grigory Frenk.
Taking over the linebacker corps this year is coach Jared Backus who coached the defensive line the last two seasons. Strong in numbers, the linebackers also return tremendous game experience. In the middle, senior Alex Joseph returns. A two-year starter, he finished second in team tackling with 87 tackles. Redshirt junior Jordan Martin, who played in every game last fall, is expected to compete for a starting role.
On the outside, junior Amara Kamara and senior John Haley, a Local 215 product, are expected to return to their starting roles. Kamara finished the 2008 campaign with 67 tackles, including 39 solo takedowns. Haley, who started three games, had 43 solos tackles, four TFL, and three sacks.
Also on the outside are junior Elijah Joseph and sophomore Quinten White, Jr. Expected to compete for time will be sophomore Keith Baker, junior Jerrod Bowling, redshirt sophomores LaVesta Bryant and Stephen Johnson, and freshman Zach Kane.
The secondary under the guidance of Paul Williams is stacked with experience. At strong safety redshirt senior Dominique Harris and sophomore Kevin Kroboth return. Harris started all 12 games a year ago and finished with 66 tackles, a team-best three interceptions, and a team-best three forced fumbles. Named the 2008 Special Teams MVP, Kroboth saw action in all 12 games as a true freshman, capping his year with a 56-yard interception return in the win over Akron.
At free safety, junior Jaiquawn Jarrett returns to compete for a starting role, a spot he's held for two seasons. He started all 12 games at free safety. Senior Wilbert Brinson, who played in all 12 games with three starts last fall, is expected to challenge for the starting nod.
At corner, senior Anthony Ferla and sophomore Marlin Terrell return. A two-year starter and team captain, Ferla finished with 45 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2007. Last fall, Terrell was one of six true freshmen to play in all 12 games. Additional help will come from junior Jamal Schulters, and redshirt sophomores Jared Williams and Tim Dollison.
Providing depth to the defensive backs are redshirt freshman Matt Duncan, junior Marquise Liverpool, junior Deonte Parker, freshman Shane Pollock, junior Daryl Robinson, and redshirt senior Ricky Ueberroth.
Special Teams
In addition to his head coaching duties, Golden continues as special teams coordinator once again.
Returning are kickers Jake Brownell and Jeff Wathne. A redshirt senior placekicker, Brownell handled the Owls' field goals and extra points, while Wathne handled the punting and kickoff duties. Adding depth are redshirt freshmen Inigo Abaroa and Jordan Ottinger.
After leading the nation in kickoff returns in 2008, Temple will look to sophomores James Nixon and Kee-ayre Griffin tol replace All-MAC KOR honoree and school record holder Travis Shelton. Both will provide speed and agility.
Redshirt sophomore Joe Jones and Griffin will return punts. Jones returned two punts last fall, including a 17-yard return.
2009 Schedule
Temple enters its third season of MAC play with six home games and three nationally televised contests. Temple opens the 2009 season in the inaugural Mayor's Cup with Villanova on Thursday, Sept. 3.
Following a bye week, Temple travels to perennial powerhouse and intra-state rival Penn State on Sept. 19. The Owls return home to Lincoln Financial Field to host Buffalo (Sept. 26) in the MAC opener. TU travels to Eastern Michigan (Oct. 3) before hosting Ball State (Oct. 10), the first meeting between the squads since Temple joined the conference, and Army (Oct. 17) in the Homecoming contest.
Temple then hits the road for two contests. The first stop is Toledo (Oct. 24) before closing out non-conference play at Navy (Oct. 31). The Owls host Miami (Ohio) on Thursday, Nov. 5 in a nationally televised contest at 7:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Temple continues play on ESPNU the following week, traveling to Akron on Friday, Nov. 13 for an 8 p.m. kickoff.
Temple's home finale, and Senior Day, pits the squad against Kent State (Nov. 21). The Owls close out the season at Ohio on Friday, Nov. 27. The game will be televised nationally by either ESPU or espn360. The 2009 MAC Championship game will take place at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
