Eight Owls Earn All-Conference Honors; Wright Named Special Teams POY

PHILADELPHIA- Eight Temple Football players were selected to the American Athletic Conference All-Conference Teams. Six Owls- RB Ryquell Armstead, LB Shaun Bradley, DT Michael Dogbe, SAF Delvon Randall, RS Isaiah Wright, and CB Rock Ya-Sin were selected to the first team and two- WR Ventell Bryant and OL Jovahn Fair were selected to the second team. Wright was also named AAC Special Teams Player of the Year for his outstanding punt and kick return skills.

"We are all so proud of the eight players of our 8-win (and counting) football team that made the All-American Athletic Conference Team. They are not only great players but also great leaders and, most importantly, great teammates," said head coach Geoff Collins. "Their impressive individual performances this season helped us achieve record setting numbers in all three phases of the game as a team. I'm also proud that the other coaches around our great league recognize our guys for playing with relentless effort, accountability and toughness which has become the trademark of our brand of football."

Wright, a junior from West Hartford, Conn., was named Special Teams Player of the Year. He accumulated 1,428 all-purpose yards this season and scored seven total touchdowns. He returned two punts and a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown this season. Wright also ranks second in the nation in combined kick return yards with 976. Wright has scored in four different ways (rush, reception, punt return, and kick return) in back-to-back seasons. He is the only player to accomplish this feat in the last decade.

"I'm beyond honored and grateful to be named All-Conference and Special Teams Player Of The Year," said Wright. "I think these rewards are a testament to all the hard work we put into going into this season. These rewards definitely mean a lot."

Armstead, a senior from Millville, N.J., had a career senior year despite only playing 10 games this season. He rushed 210 times for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns. His best game this season was against Houston when he rushed for 210-yards and a conference-record six touchdowns on the way to victory. Armstead rushed for at least 100-yards in six games this season. He sits at third all-time in Temple history with 34 rushing touchdowns.

"I am truly blessed and thankful to receive this honor," said Armstead. "I must thank all my teammates and coaches with special props to my offensive line. Those guys work hard up front and deserve to share the glory when we score touchdowns and receive special awards."

Bradley, a junior from Mt. Holly, N.J., has been a force in the middle of the Temple defense for the past two seasons. He amassed 72 tackles which is good for second on the #DarkSide. He also had four TFLs, a sack, and two interceptions, one of which was returned 78-yards for a touchdown.

"I am honored to be named to the all-conference team," said Bradley. "All thanks to my teammates and coaches and the man above."

Bryant, a graduate from Tampa, Fla., made Temple Football history in his final season. He broke the all-time receiving yards (2,413) and receptions (169) record and will add to his records during the bowl game. Bryant finished the season as the team's leading receiver with 47 catches, 659 yards, and three touchdowns. His best game this season came in a win at Navy where he grabbed eight balls for 147 yards and a touchdown.

"Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life," said Bryant who surrounded outstanding senior and sophomore seasons with an off-year as a junior.

Dogbe, a graduate from Morris Plains, N.J., wreaked havoc in opponents' backfields all season. The 6-3 280 pounder had 69 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, seven sacks, and three forced fumbles this season. His best game was in Temple's first win of the season against Maryland. He had seven tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

"This is an unbelievable honor to be recognized by the AAC," said Dogbe. "Hours of hard work and preparation resulted in a great season for me and my teammates. I'd like to thank my coaches and teammates for always encouraging me to go above and beyond my limits. They push me to be my best day-in and day-out and for that I am grateful."

Fair, a redshirt junior from Akron, Ohio, has been a leading force on one of the best and most versatile offensive lines in the conference. He started every game this season at left guard and has started in 29 of 32 career games he has played. Fair and company paved the way for the success of Armstead on the ground and QB Anthony Russo in the air throughout the season.

"It's a blessing to be honored on this all-conference team," said Fair. "Our offensive line played really well this season and I think a couple of other guys on our team are also deserving. I thank God for this honor."

Randall, a senior from Pittsburgh, Pa., was named to the AAC All-Conference First Team for the second year in a row. Randall led the team with 78 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and six PBUs. He had an interception in three consecutive games including a one-handed pick that made Sportscenter Top 10 plays. Randall was invited to play in the East- West Shrine Game after the season.

"It's an honor to be considered one of the best by opposing coaches," said Randall. "I am often free to make plays on the ball because of outstanding play by the guys in front of me."

Ya-Sin, a senior transfer from Decatur, Ga., forced offenses to stay away from his side of the field all season. When they did throw his way, Ya-Sin made them pay. In his only 12 games with the Owls, Ya-Sin had 47 tackles, two TFLs, two interceptions, and 12 PBUs. Ya-Sin's pick on a Thursday night against Tulsa was a no look grab he impressively held on to that landed him as number one on Sportscenter Top 10 plays. Ya-Sin was invited to play in the 2019 Reese's Senior Bowl and the East- West Shrine Game following Temple's bowl game.

"I just have to thank God, my coaches, teammates and everyone who voted to honor me," said Ya-Sin. "This was one of the personal goals I set when I made the decision to come to Temple. This time last year, I didn't know if I'd be able to play college football again, and now I'm being selected as first-team all-conference in the American Athletic Conference. When you put God first, work hard, and persevere through all the struggles, your life can totally change in a year."

Temple University Athletics

Eight Owls Earn All-Conference Honors; Wright Named Special Teams POY

Players Mentioned

Ryquell Armstead

Shaun Bradley

Ventell Bryant

Michael Dogbe

Jovahn Fair

Delvon Randall

Anthony Russo

Isaiah Wright

Rock Ya-Sin

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