Temple University Athletics
Football's Archibong, Graham- Mobley, and Jones Earn Single-Digits
8.24.19 | Football
PHILADELPHIA- Following Saturday's practice, the Temple Football team announced that three Owls' players were awarded single digits for the 2019 season. DT Daniel Archibong, LB Isaiah Graham-Mobley, and WR Randle Jones were awarded the honor. Archibong will wear #6, Graham-Mobley #8, and Jones #7.
Temple football has a tradition of giving out the single-digit jerseys to the toughest members of the team. To be awarded one of those coveted numbers, one has to be Temple TUFF – to display the highest character and leadership on and off the field. All three of these players have earned single-digit jerseys for their hard work on and off the field last season, during spring practice, summer workouts, and what they will do during camp and throughout the 2019 season.
Archibong, who continues to be a vital player on the defensive line for the Owls, took on a lot of double-teams and allowed his linebackers to make the majority of the tackles last season. Because of his work on the line, three of the top five tacklers were linebackers in 2018. Archibong finished 2018 with 19 tackles, three TFLs, and five pass breakups. Archibong earned ECAC Freshman of the Year honors two years ago.
"I'm ecstatic, this is a true honor. To be named one of the toughest on the field and also be a leader off the field, it's a true honor," said Archibong. "To be able to represent this tradition and all the guys who wore the number before me, it's great. I am sort if at a loss for words right now."
Graham-Mobley, another leader among the linebackers, had a breakout season in 2018 despite never starting a game continues to compete for playing time in one of the most talented linebacker units in the country. Graham-Mobley finished last season with 70 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. He finished fifth on the team in tackles.
"It's extremely humbling, it's an amazing feeling to be playing along with these great guys. I have been thinking about this moment for a long time," said Graham-Mobley. "It a great honor, I love it, it's amazing. My dad wore #8, I wore it in high school, so it's a great feeling to be back in it."
Jones, the Owls' deep threat in 2018, is the third wide receiver to be awarded a single-digit this season. He joins fellow WRs Branden Mack and Isaiah Wright as single-digit guys on offense. He finished 2018 with 23 catches, 445 yards, and four touchdowns. His 19.3 yards per reception ranked 15th in the country and third in the conference.
"I'm honored and blessed to be part of this tradition. I know this tradition at Temple is for the top-tier guys. It shows that I'm hard-working and was a reward for everything I've gone through adversity-wise," said Jones. "Ryquell Armstead showed me how to work, he showed me what it was to be single-digit TUFF so I just try to follow in his footsteps. That's why I got #7."
With three numbers given out on Saturday, there is only one single-digit left that will be voted on and awarded during the season. Single-digit players are: WR Branden Mack (1), WR Isaiah Wright (2), LB Chapelle Russell (3), LB Sam Franklin (4), LB Shaun Bradley (5), DT Daniel Archibong (6), WR Randle Jones (7), and LB Isaiah Graham-Mobley (8). OL Jovahn Fair and Matt Hennessy also are honorary single-digits but cannot wear the numbers because of offensive line number restrictions.
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Temple football has a tradition of giving out the single-digit jerseys to the toughest members of the team. To be awarded one of those coveted numbers, one has to be Temple TUFF – to display the highest character and leadership on and off the field. All three of these players have earned single-digit jerseys for their hard work on and off the field last season, during spring practice, summer workouts, and what they will do during camp and throughout the 2019 season.
Archibong, who continues to be a vital player on the defensive line for the Owls, took on a lot of double-teams and allowed his linebackers to make the majority of the tackles last season. Because of his work on the line, three of the top five tacklers were linebackers in 2018. Archibong finished 2018 with 19 tackles, three TFLs, and five pass breakups. Archibong earned ECAC Freshman of the Year honors two years ago.
"I'm ecstatic, this is a true honor. To be named one of the toughest on the field and also be a leader off the field, it's a true honor," said Archibong. "To be able to represent this tradition and all the guys who wore the number before me, it's great. I am sort if at a loss for words right now."
Graham-Mobley, another leader among the linebackers, had a breakout season in 2018 despite never starting a game continues to compete for playing time in one of the most talented linebacker units in the country. Graham-Mobley finished last season with 70 tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. He finished fifth on the team in tackles.
"It's extremely humbling, it's an amazing feeling to be playing along with these great guys. I have been thinking about this moment for a long time," said Graham-Mobley. "It a great honor, I love it, it's amazing. My dad wore #8, I wore it in high school, so it's a great feeling to be back in it."
Jones, the Owls' deep threat in 2018, is the third wide receiver to be awarded a single-digit this season. He joins fellow WRs Branden Mack and Isaiah Wright as single-digit guys on offense. He finished 2018 with 23 catches, 445 yards, and four touchdowns. His 19.3 yards per reception ranked 15th in the country and third in the conference.
"I'm honored and blessed to be part of this tradition. I know this tradition at Temple is for the top-tier guys. It shows that I'm hard-working and was a reward for everything I've gone through adversity-wise," said Jones. "Ryquell Armstead showed me how to work, he showed me what it was to be single-digit TUFF so I just try to follow in his footsteps. That's why I got #7."
With three numbers given out on Saturday, there is only one single-digit left that will be voted on and awarded during the season. Single-digit players are: WR Branden Mack (1), WR Isaiah Wright (2), LB Chapelle Russell (3), LB Sam Franklin (4), LB Shaun Bradley (5), DT Daniel Archibong (6), WR Randle Jones (7), and LB Isaiah Graham-Mobley (8). OL Jovahn Fair and Matt Hennessy also are honorary single-digits but cannot wear the numbers because of offensive line number restrictions.
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