Temple University Athletics
QB Chris Coyer
Coyer Shines in Starting Role
11.10.11 | Football
By Kami Mattioli, Owlsports.com Columnist
PHILADELPHIA -- Last night wasn't the first time sophomore QB Chris Coyer hefted the weight of the Temple Owls season upon his shoulder pads.
Following a personal-best performance off the bench at the University of Ohio last week, Coyer was the talk of the town upon his return to Philadelphia.
It was, however, the first time Coyer got to lead the Owls as a starter.
With Coyer, a southpaw, at the helm against the Miami RedHawks, Temple's offense seemed to strike a balance between its running and passing games -- something the team had previously struggled to do with QBs Mike Gerardi and Chester Stewart calling the shots.
“I think he did some great things with the ball in his hand,” Addazio said. “He's only going to continue to grow.”
Overall, Coyer rushed for 101 yards, including one touchdown, and threw 10-for-19 completions on the night.
Whatever nervousness he may have felt never translated to the action on the field.
Cool, calm and collected, Coyer looked comfortable and seamless in the pocket. He and RB Matt Brown appeared to have great chemistry all night, as the football seemed to find its way into Brown's hands, sometimes against all odds.
“Coyer's great, because he relieves me,” Brown said. “I'll run the fake and turn around, and he'll be running up the field, and I'll just throw my arms up.”
“It's a big help. It takes some of the weight off of yourself as a running back.”
Brown and his teammates were impressed by how quickly Coyer was able to assume the play-calling role.
“He's a great player to play with,” Brown said. “He's learning it quick.”
Coyer contributed that success to continuous hard work in practice.
“I didn't really do anything differently [when practicing as a starter],” he said. “Obviously more reps in practice, a little more film work.”
“Other than that, it was very much the same.”
Though somewhat diffusive about the impact of his recent success, Coyer definitely has assumed his new role as the team's starting quarterback and the responsibilities therein.
“Once you finally get that spot [quarterback], it's just about not letting it go and doing what you can with it,” he said.
For this 6'3” sophomore from Oak Hill, Va., the wait is over and the chase is on.
PHILADELPHIA -- Last night wasn't the first time sophomore QB Chris Coyer hefted the weight of the Temple Owls season upon his shoulder pads.
Following a personal-best performance off the bench at the University of Ohio last week, Coyer was the talk of the town upon his return to Philadelphia.
It was, however, the first time Coyer got to lead the Owls as a starter.
With Coyer, a southpaw, at the helm against the Miami RedHawks, Temple's offense seemed to strike a balance between its running and passing games -- something the team had previously struggled to do with QBs Mike Gerardi and Chester Stewart calling the shots.
“I think he did some great things with the ball in his hand,” Addazio said. “He's only going to continue to grow.”
Overall, Coyer rushed for 101 yards, including one touchdown, and threw 10-for-19 completions on the night.
Whatever nervousness he may have felt never translated to the action on the field.
Cool, calm and collected, Coyer looked comfortable and seamless in the pocket. He and RB Matt Brown appeared to have great chemistry all night, as the football seemed to find its way into Brown's hands, sometimes against all odds.
“Coyer's great, because he relieves me,” Brown said. “I'll run the fake and turn around, and he'll be running up the field, and I'll just throw my arms up.”
“It's a big help. It takes some of the weight off of yourself as a running back.”
Brown and his teammates were impressed by how quickly Coyer was able to assume the play-calling role.
“He's a great player to play with,” Brown said. “He's learning it quick.”
Coyer contributed that success to continuous hard work in practice.
“I didn't really do anything differently [when practicing as a starter],” he said. “Obviously more reps in practice, a little more film work.”
“Other than that, it was very much the same.”
Though somewhat diffusive about the impact of his recent success, Coyer definitely has assumed his new role as the team's starting quarterback and the responsibilities therein.
“Once you finally get that spot [quarterback], it's just about not letting it go and doing what you can with it,” he said.
For this 6'3” sophomore from Oak Hill, Va., the wait is over and the chase is on.
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