Temple University Athletics
Kareem Ali: Temple Made
8.20.15 | Football
PHILADELPHIA - "Temple Made" is a phrase close to the heart of everyone who comes in contact with the University on North Broad Street. It captures the dedication and commitment made by all who enter the school and leave with degrees and the power to change the world. It also means that someone grew with Temple alum as parents or influential family members. Around Philadelphia, it appears on billboards, banner ads, and commercials for the school. For those who live it, it's more than just a slogan but a testament to their achievement.
One student-athlete who is proud to be "Temple Made" and embodies that spirit is freshman defensive back Kareem Ali. When camp opened August 6th, he may have been the most excited member of the Owls to don the cherry and white. Although he has yet to play a down for Temple, he is a notable member of the program for his commitment. He also has family ties to Temple athletics from both of his parents. His father, Kareem Sr., played for the Owls from 1996-98, while his mother Tasha ran track.
Kareem grew up in a Temple family and was immersed in the cherry and white culture throughout his childhood. "I've never seen another football game in person besides Temple. I've never seen another basketball game besides Temple." He went on to play with a dominant Timber Creek High School team that won consecutive South Jersey sectional championships and 43 games in his four-year career. More than 30 schools offered him a scholarship to play. Kareem only made a couple visits but knew where he belonged. Regarding Temple, "there's no place like home."
Kareem was so excited to join Temple he enrolled early for the spring 2015 semester. Forgoing the back half of his senior year, when students usually go on trips to Disney World and create lifelong memories, was a hard sacrifice to make. However, his focus was the next step and becoming the best Owl he could. Entering early meant he could acclimate to the demands of college football and classwork, two things he knew would help him when the season started. "You either want to be successful or you want to still be a kid. You have to grow up sometime. I wanted to do it early." Once he started, he was most surprised at how hard he was expected to work, on the field and in the classroom. He credits head coach Matt Rhule's emphasis on academic success and life lessons. Taking that approach to grow up now showed he was ready to fly.
When Ali made the decision to commit to Temple, he knew he wouldn't be alone. He already knew two of his former teammates at Timber Creek were looking to shine on North Broad. Zaire Williams, a redshirt sophomore linebacker, and Adonis Jennings, who was considering coming home after attending Pittsburgh. He saw the opportunity to develop the Temple program with his former teammates. It made sense to stay close and play at home. "Why go so far when you can go across the bridge and build something? We have people coming from all over looking to build this team and make something happen."
Life at home has not just shaped Kareem as a future Owl but also as a future leader. He is the oldest of four brothers and wants to be around as they grow and begin to play football themselves. Kareem wanted to make things easier for his parents to see him every game. He has big goals this year, looking to help Temple reach a bowl game, make the freshman All-America team, and join a veteran mix of defensive backs. "I want to be an asset to the team and make an impact as a freshman. … I want to be that guy that you have to lean on sometimes … in the fourth quarter, they want three corners in the game, they lean on me. I want to be that guy." Kareem has a great attitude and strong passion for the game and this program. He could be the next guy on the billboard, making Temple history.
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One student-athlete who is proud to be "Temple Made" and embodies that spirit is freshman defensive back Kareem Ali. When camp opened August 6th, he may have been the most excited member of the Owls to don the cherry and white. Although he has yet to play a down for Temple, he is a notable member of the program for his commitment. He also has family ties to Temple athletics from both of his parents. His father, Kareem Sr., played for the Owls from 1996-98, while his mother Tasha ran track.
Kareem grew up in a Temple family and was immersed in the cherry and white culture throughout his childhood. "I've never seen another football game in person besides Temple. I've never seen another basketball game besides Temple." He went on to play with a dominant Timber Creek High School team that won consecutive South Jersey sectional championships and 43 games in his four-year career. More than 30 schools offered him a scholarship to play. Kareem only made a couple visits but knew where he belonged. Regarding Temple, "there's no place like home."
Kareem was so excited to join Temple he enrolled early for the spring 2015 semester. Forgoing the back half of his senior year, when students usually go on trips to Disney World and create lifelong memories, was a hard sacrifice to make. However, his focus was the next step and becoming the best Owl he could. Entering early meant he could acclimate to the demands of college football and classwork, two things he knew would help him when the season started. "You either want to be successful or you want to still be a kid. You have to grow up sometime. I wanted to do it early." Once he started, he was most surprised at how hard he was expected to work, on the field and in the classroom. He credits head coach Matt Rhule's emphasis on academic success and life lessons. Taking that approach to grow up now showed he was ready to fly.
When Ali made the decision to commit to Temple, he knew he wouldn't be alone. He already knew two of his former teammates at Timber Creek were looking to shine on North Broad. Zaire Williams, a redshirt sophomore linebacker, and Adonis Jennings, who was considering coming home after attending Pittsburgh. He saw the opportunity to develop the Temple program with his former teammates. It made sense to stay close and play at home. "Why go so far when you can go across the bridge and build something? We have people coming from all over looking to build this team and make something happen."
Life at home has not just shaped Kareem as a future Owl but also as a future leader. He is the oldest of four brothers and wants to be around as they grow and begin to play football themselves. Kareem wanted to make things easier for his parents to see him every game. He has big goals this year, looking to help Temple reach a bowl game, make the freshman All-America team, and join a veteran mix of defensive backs. "I want to be an asset to the team and make an impact as a freshman. … I want to be that guy that you have to lean on sometimes … in the fourth quarter, they want three corners in the game, they lean on me. I want to be that guy." Kareem has a great attitude and strong passion for the game and this program. He could be the next guy on the billboard, making Temple history.
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Players Mentioned
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