Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
Temple Football to Begin Spring Drills on March 23
3.22.11 | Football
Spring Prospectus is now available
2011 Spring Prospectus
2011 Spring Preview
The winds of change are blowing through Edberg-Olson Hall this spring. After posting back-to-back winning seasons in 2009 and 2010 for the first time since 1978, the Temple Owls have a new leader. On December 23, 2010, Steve Addazio became the Owls' 25th head coach. The 2011 squad returns 19 starters to 13 positions.
Following their 8-4 record and a 5-3 finish in the Mid-American Conference East Division, the Owls are anxious to pick up where they left off last fall and take care of unfinished business. Temple opens spring drills on Wednesday, March 23. The 15 sessions over the 35 days should help identify the team's needs before the freshmen join the ranks in August. The team's annual Cherry & White intra-squad scrimmage at Chodoff Field at the Edberg-Olson Football Complex is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.
Taking the field this spring are 87 returning student-athletes, including 46 letterwinners and 13 starters. Joining the Owls this spring are two members of the Local 215 (walk-on) program and two mid-year transfers.
In February, Temple signed 20 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Geographically, 18 signees came from within TU's recruiting footprint, of which 16 came from within three hours of the Temple campus. Seven student-athletes list their hometown in Pennsylvania and six hail from New Jersey. Five signees hail from Southeastern Pennsylvania, including four from the Philadelphia metro area.
Eleven of the 18 high school signees attended the Temple Football Camp (61%). Two of the signees—Malcolm Eugene and Hershey Walton— enrolled at Temple in January and will participate in spring drills.
OFFENSE
The Temple offense returns 12 players to eight starting positions among the 27 lettermen. Under the direction of first-year offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, assisted by Matt Rhule, TU will utilize a multiple offensive system designed to create a balanced running game and passing game.
Directing the offense are two experienced quarterbacks-- junior Mike Gerardi and senior Chester Stewart.
A walk-on turned starter in 2010, Gerardi finished the season 93-of-156 for 1,290 yards and 10 touchdowns in five starts. He is a tough, unselfish leader who has earned the confidence of his teammates.
As junior, Stewart started the first seven games under center last fall. He went 72-of-135 for 842 yards and four touchdowns.
In addition to the two starters, Loeffler will guide sophomore Chris Coyer and redshirt freshman Connor Reilly. Coyer also saw limited action in five games in 2010, while Reilly redshirted the season.
In his first season with the offensive line, coach Justin Frye will guide an experienced troop. The o-line returns 13 players, including six starters.
On the left side, senior Steve Caputo will compete to regain his starting position at tackle. Last fall, he started four games at the spot before suffering a season-ending injury. Fellow senior Derek Dennis poses a serious threat. Dennis took over starting duties, finishing 2010 with seven starts across the line.
At guard, senior Pat Boyle is favored to regain his starting role. In 2010, Boyle saw action in every game with five starts at left guard.
At center, senior John Palumbo will compete with fellow seniors Jeremy Schonbrunner and Wayne Tribue. All three shared the spot last fall with Palumbo starting nine of the 12 games.
There are big shoes to fill on the right side, replacing two-time first-team All-MAC selections Colin Madison and Darius Morris. Expect junior Sean Boyle, sophomore Darryl Pringle, and junior Martin Wallace to compete for starting roles. Boyle missed the 2010 season with an injury. Pringle and Wallace played in all 12 games with two starts at left tackle each.
Sophomore Evan Regas, sophomore Scott Roorda, freshman Hershey Walton, and junior Stephen Yuan will provide serious competition at all spots. Others competing for time are redshirt freshmen Joe Cenatiempo, Elijah Grant, Jake Lane, Adam Metz, and Doug Randall.
In his first season with the tight ends, coach Matt Rhule has veteran list of candidates. Senior Evan Rodriguez is expected to receive tough competition for his starting roles. A first-team All-MAC honoree, Rodriguez started nine games last fall, finishing as the top TE in receiving and third overall with 247 yards and two touchdowns on 21 receptions.
Also competing for time will senior Matt Balasavage, sophomore Cody Booth, sophomore Matt Brookhart, sophomore Alex Jackson, sophomore Chris Parthemore. All saw significant playing time at tight end in 2010.
Fifth-year coach Tyree Foreman returns a youthful but experienced backfield heading into 2011. Junior All-American Bernard Pierce anchors the speedy youngsters. A first-team All-MAC honoree, Pierce followed with 728 yards and a team-best 10 touchdowns on 154 carries.
Adding depth to the running game are junior Ahkeem Smith, who played in 11 games last fall, and redshirt freshman Myron Myles.
First-year coach Zach Smith has a plethora of talent in his arsenal. Senior Rod Streater is expected to return to his starting role. In his first season for the Cherry and White, Streater was named the team's 2010 Newcomer of the Year after finishing second in receiving with 481 yards and four touchdowns on 30 receptions.
Several Owls will be lining up to replace starter and All-MAC pick Michael Campbell. Senior Joe Jones, who played sparingly last fall with a nagging injury, looks to regain his starting role from 2009.
Sophomore Ryan Alderman, sophomore Tomas Cabrera, sophomore Deon Miller, junior C.J. Hammond will vie for playing time. Junior Tristan McCants and junior Darryl Shine, as well as newcomers Markeyse Carter, Eugene Malcolm, and Jerry Watters, round out the list of receivers.
DEFENSE
The Temple defense needs to reload, losing four All-MAC selections. The Owls return 26 letterwinners, including seven starters to just five positions. Under the guidance of first-year defensive coordinator Chuck Heater, the Owls will be led by two-time first-team All-MAC honoree Adrian Robinson.
As a junior last fall, the 2009 MAC Defensive Player of the Year started all 12 games at right end, one of just seven Owls to start every game. He had 38 tackles, 4.5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks.
First-year line coach Sean Cronin has three players with experience to cover the left side. Sophomore Shahid Paulhill, who played in all 12 games as a freshman last fall, started six games. Junior Kadeem Custis started four games, while sophomore Kamal Johnson took the reigns in two games.
At tackle, Cronin will look for strength to fill the spots vacated by first-team All-MAC honorees Eli Joseph and Muhammad Wilkerson. Prime candidates are senior Morris Blueford, sophomore Levi Brown, sophomore Sean Daniels, who all saw significant action last fall.
Senior Morkeith Brown, who played in all 12 games with nine starts at tight end last fall, returns to the defensive line. He played defensice end in all 11 games as a true freshman in 2008.
Looking for playing time are redshirt freshman Terrance Brown, redshirt freshman Taray Carey, sophomore David Kim, redshirt freshman Jaimen Newman, redshirt freshman Wanemi Omuso, junior Byron Rutherford, sophomore Dan Van Norton, redshirt freshman Dante Weaver, and sophomore Jeff Whittingham.
Taking over the linebacking corps this year are Ben Albert (outside) and Sean McGowan (inside). Strong in numbers, the linebackers also return tremendous game experience.
On the outside, seniors Tahir Whitehead and Quinten White, Jr., are expected to move into starting roles. Whitehead saw action in every game with eight starts in 2010, racking up 56 tackles, including 7.5 TFL. White saw action in 11 contests with two starts will look to replace four-year starter Amara Kamara.
In the middle, senior Stephen Johnson could reprise his starting role. The walk-
on played in every game last fall with three starts.
Expected to compete for time will be sophomore Olaniyi Adewole, sophomore Mike Beatty, sophomore Wyatt Benson, sophomore Blaze Caponegro, sophomore Michael Doty, junior Marcus Green, sophomore Zach Kane, and sophomore Gary Onuekwusi. Walk-ons Tom Long and Brandon Walker join the Owls this spring.
The secondary, under the guidance of Heater, is stacked with experience.
At strong safety senior Kevin Kroboth and junior Justin Gildea will compete for the starting role. Last fall Kroboth started six games at safety, racking up 31 tackles. Gildea started eight games, had 58 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
Heater will have to fill the starting role at free safety vacated by first-team All-MAC pick Jaiquawn Jarrett. Senior Deonte Parker is expected to challenge for the starting nod.
At corner, senior Kee-ayre Griffin and junior Maurice Jones are expected to lead the pack. Griffin saw action in all 12 games in 2010, starting 10 games at corner. He had 51 tackles and three break-ups. Jones played 10 games.
Senior James Nixon, junior Vaughn Carraway, as well as sophomores Matt Falcone and Zamel Johnson, will compete for starting roles in the secondary. Providing depth to the defensive backs will be senior David Abror, redshirt freshman Brian Burns, redshirt freshman Shane Howell, sophomore Byron Parker, redshirt freshman Brett Pierce, redshirt freshman Anthony Robey,
SPECIAL TEAMS
In addition to coaching the wide receivers, Zach Smith will coordinate the Owls' special teams.
Returning for his junior season is placekicker Brandon McManus. The Owls' scoring leader each of the last two seasons, McManus handled the Owls' field goals, extra points, and kickoffs.
Smith will need to replace four-year punter Jeff Wathne who graduated.
Senior James Nixon is expected return to kickoff return duties. Additional help could come from Ryan Alderman and Joe Jones.
2011 SCHEDULE
Temple enters its fifth season of MAC play with seven home games and three nationally televised contests. TU opens the 2011 season with Villanova in the third annual Mayor's Cup at Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 1.
The Owls travel to Akron (Sept. 10) for the MAC opener for both teams.
Temple returns to Lincoln Financial Field for a showdown with perennial powerhouse and intra-state rival Penn State (Sept. 17) before hitting the road for a game at Maryland (Sept. 24).
TU hosts Toledo (Oct. 1) before traveling to Ball State (Oct. 8). Buffalo comes to Philadelphia for the Owls' annual Homecoming game (Oct. 15).
Temple then takes to the road for two games. In the first stop, the Owls visit Bowling Green (Oct. 22). TU opens November with a pair of Wednesday night games, first traveling to Ohio (Nov. 2) for a mid-week clash at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Owls close the regular-season with three home games. Temple entertains Miami (Ohio) on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8
p.m. on ESPN2 before hosting Army (Nov. 19) in its last non-conference battle.
TU hosts Kent State on Senior Day on Friday, Nov. 25. The game could be picked up by ESPNU/ESPN3.com as part the MAC's multiple-game selection date.
The 2011 Marathon MAC Championship game will take place at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
OFF THE FIELD
In addition to taking classes and training for the season, the Temple Owls are enthusiastically involved with several community service projects throughout the year. The Owls have helped clean up recreation centers around the city and fed the homeless at area shelters. The Owls, who signed up a national record 630 potential donors during the first drive in 2008, will hold their fourth annual Bone Marrow Drive on April 14.
Temple will once again participate in the Southwest Airlines Ronald McDonald House Plane Pull (May 2), the Race for the Cure (May 8), and the Diamond Street Cleanup this spring.
2011 Spring Preview
The winds of change are blowing through Edberg-Olson Hall this spring. After posting back-to-back winning seasons in 2009 and 2010 for the first time since 1978, the Temple Owls have a new leader. On December 23, 2010, Steve Addazio became the Owls' 25th head coach. The 2011 squad returns 19 starters to 13 positions.
Following their 8-4 record and a 5-3 finish in the Mid-American Conference East Division, the Owls are anxious to pick up where they left off last fall and take care of unfinished business. Temple opens spring drills on Wednesday, March 23. The 15 sessions over the 35 days should help identify the team's needs before the freshmen join the ranks in August. The team's annual Cherry & White intra-squad scrimmage at Chodoff Field at the Edberg-Olson Football Complex is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.
Taking the field this spring are 87 returning student-athletes, including 46 letterwinners and 13 starters. Joining the Owls this spring are two members of the Local 215 (walk-on) program and two mid-year transfers.
In February, Temple signed 20 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Geographically, 18 signees came from within TU's recruiting footprint, of which 16 came from within three hours of the Temple campus. Seven student-athletes list their hometown in Pennsylvania and six hail from New Jersey. Five signees hail from Southeastern Pennsylvania, including four from the Philadelphia metro area.
Eleven of the 18 high school signees attended the Temple Football Camp (61%). Two of the signees—Malcolm Eugene and Hershey Walton— enrolled at Temple in January and will participate in spring drills.
OFFENSE
The Temple offense returns 12 players to eight starting positions among the 27 lettermen. Under the direction of first-year offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler, assisted by Matt Rhule, TU will utilize a multiple offensive system designed to create a balanced running game and passing game.
Directing the offense are two experienced quarterbacks-- junior Mike Gerardi and senior Chester Stewart.
A walk-on turned starter in 2010, Gerardi finished the season 93-of-156 for 1,290 yards and 10 touchdowns in five starts. He is a tough, unselfish leader who has earned the confidence of his teammates.
As junior, Stewart started the first seven games under center last fall. He went 72-of-135 for 842 yards and four touchdowns.
In addition to the two starters, Loeffler will guide sophomore Chris Coyer and redshirt freshman Connor Reilly. Coyer also saw limited action in five games in 2010, while Reilly redshirted the season.
In his first season with the offensive line, coach Justin Frye will guide an experienced troop. The o-line returns 13 players, including six starters.
On the left side, senior Steve Caputo will compete to regain his starting position at tackle. Last fall, he started four games at the spot before suffering a season-ending injury. Fellow senior Derek Dennis poses a serious threat. Dennis took over starting duties, finishing 2010 with seven starts across the line.
At guard, senior Pat Boyle is favored to regain his starting role. In 2010, Boyle saw action in every game with five starts at left guard.
At center, senior John Palumbo will compete with fellow seniors Jeremy Schonbrunner and Wayne Tribue. All three shared the spot last fall with Palumbo starting nine of the 12 games.
There are big shoes to fill on the right side, replacing two-time first-team All-MAC selections Colin Madison and Darius Morris. Expect junior Sean Boyle, sophomore Darryl Pringle, and junior Martin Wallace to compete for starting roles. Boyle missed the 2010 season with an injury. Pringle and Wallace played in all 12 games with two starts at left tackle each.
Sophomore Evan Regas, sophomore Scott Roorda, freshman Hershey Walton, and junior Stephen Yuan will provide serious competition at all spots. Others competing for time are redshirt freshmen Joe Cenatiempo, Elijah Grant, Jake Lane, Adam Metz, and Doug Randall.
In his first season with the tight ends, coach Matt Rhule has veteran list of candidates. Senior Evan Rodriguez is expected to receive tough competition for his starting roles. A first-team All-MAC honoree, Rodriguez started nine games last fall, finishing as the top TE in receiving and third overall with 247 yards and two touchdowns on 21 receptions.
Also competing for time will senior Matt Balasavage, sophomore Cody Booth, sophomore Matt Brookhart, sophomore Alex Jackson, sophomore Chris Parthemore. All saw significant playing time at tight end in 2010.
Fifth-year coach Tyree Foreman returns a youthful but experienced backfield heading into 2011. Junior All-American Bernard Pierce anchors the speedy youngsters. A first-team All-MAC honoree, Pierce followed with 728 yards and a team-best 10 touchdowns on 154 carries.
Adding depth to the running game are junior Ahkeem Smith, who played in 11 games last fall, and redshirt freshman Myron Myles.
First-year coach Zach Smith has a plethora of talent in his arsenal. Senior Rod Streater is expected to return to his starting role. In his first season for the Cherry and White, Streater was named the team's 2010 Newcomer of the Year after finishing second in receiving with 481 yards and four touchdowns on 30 receptions.
Several Owls will be lining up to replace starter and All-MAC pick Michael Campbell. Senior Joe Jones, who played sparingly last fall with a nagging injury, looks to regain his starting role from 2009.
Sophomore Ryan Alderman, sophomore Tomas Cabrera, sophomore Deon Miller, junior C.J. Hammond will vie for playing time. Junior Tristan McCants and junior Darryl Shine, as well as newcomers Markeyse Carter, Eugene Malcolm, and Jerry Watters, round out the list of receivers.
DEFENSE
The Temple defense needs to reload, losing four All-MAC selections. The Owls return 26 letterwinners, including seven starters to just five positions. Under the guidance of first-year defensive coordinator Chuck Heater, the Owls will be led by two-time first-team All-MAC honoree Adrian Robinson.
As a junior last fall, the 2009 MAC Defensive Player of the Year started all 12 games at right end, one of just seven Owls to start every game. He had 38 tackles, 4.5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks.
First-year line coach Sean Cronin has three players with experience to cover the left side. Sophomore Shahid Paulhill, who played in all 12 games as a freshman last fall, started six games. Junior Kadeem Custis started four games, while sophomore Kamal Johnson took the reigns in two games.
At tackle, Cronin will look for strength to fill the spots vacated by first-team All-MAC honorees Eli Joseph and Muhammad Wilkerson. Prime candidates are senior Morris Blueford, sophomore Levi Brown, sophomore Sean Daniels, who all saw significant action last fall.
Senior Morkeith Brown, who played in all 12 games with nine starts at tight end last fall, returns to the defensive line. He played defensice end in all 11 games as a true freshman in 2008.
Looking for playing time are redshirt freshman Terrance Brown, redshirt freshman Taray Carey, sophomore David Kim, redshirt freshman Jaimen Newman, redshirt freshman Wanemi Omuso, junior Byron Rutherford, sophomore Dan Van Norton, redshirt freshman Dante Weaver, and sophomore Jeff Whittingham.
Taking over the linebacking corps this year are Ben Albert (outside) and Sean McGowan (inside). Strong in numbers, the linebackers also return tremendous game experience.
On the outside, seniors Tahir Whitehead and Quinten White, Jr., are expected to move into starting roles. Whitehead saw action in every game with eight starts in 2010, racking up 56 tackles, including 7.5 TFL. White saw action in 11 contests with two starts will look to replace four-year starter Amara Kamara.
In the middle, senior Stephen Johnson could reprise his starting role. The walk-
on played in every game last fall with three starts.
Expected to compete for time will be sophomore Olaniyi Adewole, sophomore Mike Beatty, sophomore Wyatt Benson, sophomore Blaze Caponegro, sophomore Michael Doty, junior Marcus Green, sophomore Zach Kane, and sophomore Gary Onuekwusi. Walk-ons Tom Long and Brandon Walker join the Owls this spring.
The secondary, under the guidance of Heater, is stacked with experience.
At strong safety senior Kevin Kroboth and junior Justin Gildea will compete for the starting role. Last fall Kroboth started six games at safety, racking up 31 tackles. Gildea started eight games, had 58 tackles and two fumble recoveries.
Heater will have to fill the starting role at free safety vacated by first-team All-MAC pick Jaiquawn Jarrett. Senior Deonte Parker is expected to challenge for the starting nod.
At corner, senior Kee-ayre Griffin and junior Maurice Jones are expected to lead the pack. Griffin saw action in all 12 games in 2010, starting 10 games at corner. He had 51 tackles and three break-ups. Jones played 10 games.
Senior James Nixon, junior Vaughn Carraway, as well as sophomores Matt Falcone and Zamel Johnson, will compete for starting roles in the secondary. Providing depth to the defensive backs will be senior David Abror, redshirt freshman Brian Burns, redshirt freshman Shane Howell, sophomore Byron Parker, redshirt freshman Brett Pierce, redshirt freshman Anthony Robey,
SPECIAL TEAMS
In addition to coaching the wide receivers, Zach Smith will coordinate the Owls' special teams.
Returning for his junior season is placekicker Brandon McManus. The Owls' scoring leader each of the last two seasons, McManus handled the Owls' field goals, extra points, and kickoffs.
Smith will need to replace four-year punter Jeff Wathne who graduated.
Senior James Nixon is expected return to kickoff return duties. Additional help could come from Ryan Alderman and Joe Jones.
2011 SCHEDULE
Temple enters its fifth season of MAC play with seven home games and three nationally televised contests. TU opens the 2011 season with Villanova in the third annual Mayor's Cup at Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 1.
The Owls travel to Akron (Sept. 10) for the MAC opener for both teams.
Temple returns to Lincoln Financial Field for a showdown with perennial powerhouse and intra-state rival Penn State (Sept. 17) before hitting the road for a game at Maryland (Sept. 24).
TU hosts Toledo (Oct. 1) before traveling to Ball State (Oct. 8). Buffalo comes to Philadelphia for the Owls' annual Homecoming game (Oct. 15).
Temple then takes to the road for two games. In the first stop, the Owls visit Bowling Green (Oct. 22). TU opens November with a pair of Wednesday night games, first traveling to Ohio (Nov. 2) for a mid-week clash at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Owls close the regular-season with three home games. Temple entertains Miami (Ohio) on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 8
p.m. on ESPN2 before hosting Army (Nov. 19) in its last non-conference battle.
TU hosts Kent State on Senior Day on Friday, Nov. 25. The game could be picked up by ESPNU/ESPN3.com as part the MAC's multiple-game selection date.
The 2011 Marathon MAC Championship game will take place at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
OFF THE FIELD
In addition to taking classes and training for the season, the Temple Owls are enthusiastically involved with several community service projects throughout the year. The Owls have helped clean up recreation centers around the city and fed the homeless at area shelters. The Owls, who signed up a national record 630 potential donors during the first drive in 2008, will hold their fourth annual Bone Marrow Drive on April 14.
Temple will once again participate in the Southwest Airlines Ronald McDonald House Plane Pull (May 2), the Race for the Cure (May 8), and the Diamond Street Cleanup this spring.
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