Temple University Athletics
Spring Practice #8 Recap
4.2.09 | Football
April 2, 2009
PHILADELPHIA-- After each remaining spring practice session, a member of the Temple coaching staff will give an assessment about his unit's progress. Today Matt Rhule, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, gives his perspective.
Matt Rhule Quotes
What is your assessment of spring practice so far?
The first seven practices we're really installing. We have a lot of kids returning, and kids that are moving into new positions and new leadership roles. So a lot of guys are learning the offense as we go. I think now we're at the phase where everything's been installed, so now we can see who can play now that they know what they're doing.
Talk about the three quarterbacks. They're all taking snaps. How are they developing?
They're doing well. Really the surprise has been Mike Gerardi. He's really come in. Every time he's gotten in, he's led us down and scored or played really well. So he's getting a lot of reps now, because want to see who can lead us, who can move the football, who can push. I think all the quarterbacks have been very diligent. Now that the installation is over, they have to do a really good job in terms of showing what they can do.
On the offensive line, you still have a young crew. Sophomore Wayne Tribue is the new center.
Wayne's playing a couple positions. He's an Honors candidate. He's really smart, and he can do a lot of things. If you have injuries, you have to have players that can move around.
Talk about the backfield and the quickness that returns.
We return two kids who started for us at tailback last year in Kee-ayre Griffin and Joe Jones. It's a year after Joe's surgery, so this spring we are seeing tremendous flashes from him. For Griffin, really this is his first time of learning the offense. I thought at the end of last year, he was a really good running back. We're excited about both of them.
In addition, we also have Ahkeem Smith and Lamar McPherson who both have played for us. Lamar started games on defense and has helped on offense with Ahkeem. We think we have four really good running backs that can help us.
You have a plethora of receivers and tight ends.
Speedwise, Jason Harper has come on strong. I thought last year he had a career-day against Kent. We're expecting big things from him. James Nixon also provided speed on the outside. And Dy'Onne Crudup has played a lot of football for us and made some big plays for us over the years. We're excited about those three as well.
Steve Maneri was the starter last year. We're really excited about him. Obviously, he possesses great size in addition to good hands and speed. So he's been a receiving and a blocking threat. Matt Balasavage, who got injured last year, is now back. He's had a good spring so far. We're looking forward to the two of them to combine and split the position and both play for us.
Are there any position changes of note?
I don't think so.
What would you like the quarterbacks/offense to accomplish this spring?
The quarterbacks need to learn how to be the quarterback and just manage the team and manage the situation and just continue to move the football. We have two guys that have played and another guy we're excited about. I think that's what they have to accomplish.
As an offense, I think we've played a lot of kids up front over the last couple of years. I'm really excited to have so many kids returning. What I'm looking to do the most is to just build that and really just build toughness. I think we've played young kids and they're growing up now. And as they grow up, we should have a good team.
