Temple University Athletics
Football’s Ahmed and Lofton Honored with Brooks-Irvine Award
12.15.15 | Football
PHILADELPHIA - Temple offensive linemen Shahbaz Ahmed and Eric Lofton were named Division 1-A College Football Players of the Year by the Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club of South Jersey in a ceremony held last night at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, N.J.
Ahmed, a senior, is a four-year letter-winner at Temple. A graduate of Paul VI, he came to Temple as a tight end and became a starting defensive end in his sophomore season. An unselfish player, he was needed on the offensive line and added 30 pounds to his 6-3 frame becoming the opening day starter at left guard in 2014. He started 21 games in the last two seasons and helped running back Jahad Thomas to a 1,257 yard rushing season in 2015.
Lofton, a redshirt-senior who graduated from Rancocas Valley, has developed into the Owls most versatile offensive lineman. In 2014 he was a fixture, starting every game at right tackle. This season, he started seven games at right tackle, four games at right guard and one at left guard. His versatility helped the Owls develop two redshirt sophomores - Brian Carter and Leon Johnson. Along the way, Lofton was named first team All-American Athletic Conference.
Ahmed and Lofton join several well-known players in receiving this honor from the Brooks-Irvine Club including: Bryant McKinnie (Miami, 2001), Ron Dayne (Wisconsin, 1999), Glenn Foley (Boston College, 1993), Irving Fryar (Nebraska, 1983), Mike Rozier (Nebraska, 1983), Art Still (Kentucky, 1977); and former Temple honorees Troy Bennett (2004), Anthony Young (1984), Brian Broomell (1979), and Eugene Caterina (1950).
Brooks-Irvine also announced winners at each level of college football, honored St. Augustine as the number one high school team in South Jersey, awarded three scholarships, and recognized many local high school football players.
Organized in 1945, the Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football club was created in the memory of Phillip Brooks and Howard Irvine. Brooks was the athletic director of Camden High School and Irvine held the same role at Collingswood High School. Both men exhibited positive character traits and instilled those traits in the youth of South Jersey with whom they were associated. They also promoted the principles of scholarship and sportsmanship in their involvement with scholastic sporting activities throughout the state of New Jersey.
Ahmed, a senior, is a four-year letter-winner at Temple. A graduate of Paul VI, he came to Temple as a tight end and became a starting defensive end in his sophomore season. An unselfish player, he was needed on the offensive line and added 30 pounds to his 6-3 frame becoming the opening day starter at left guard in 2014. He started 21 games in the last two seasons and helped running back Jahad Thomas to a 1,257 yard rushing season in 2015.
Lofton, a redshirt-senior who graduated from Rancocas Valley, has developed into the Owls most versatile offensive lineman. In 2014 he was a fixture, starting every game at right tackle. This season, he started seven games at right tackle, four games at right guard and one at left guard. His versatility helped the Owls develop two redshirt sophomores - Brian Carter and Leon Johnson. Along the way, Lofton was named first team All-American Athletic Conference.
Ahmed and Lofton join several well-known players in receiving this honor from the Brooks-Irvine Club including: Bryant McKinnie (Miami, 2001), Ron Dayne (Wisconsin, 1999), Glenn Foley (Boston College, 1993), Irving Fryar (Nebraska, 1983), Mike Rozier (Nebraska, 1983), Art Still (Kentucky, 1977); and former Temple honorees Troy Bennett (2004), Anthony Young (1984), Brian Broomell (1979), and Eugene Caterina (1950).
Brooks-Irvine also announced winners at each level of college football, honored St. Augustine as the number one high school team in South Jersey, awarded three scholarships, and recognized many local high school football players.
Organized in 1945, the Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football club was created in the memory of Phillip Brooks and Howard Irvine. Brooks was the athletic director of Camden High School and Irvine held the same role at Collingswood High School. Both men exhibited positive character traits and instilled those traits in the youth of South Jersey with whom they were associated. They also promoted the principles of scholarship and sportsmanship in their involvement with scholastic sporting activities throughout the state of New Jersey.
Players Mentioned
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