New to the Nest

The Temple Owls will welcome many new faces to the nest heading into the 2020 football season. Temple had a strong recruiting class in the offseason, specifically in the transfer market. The Owls brought in nine players via the transfer portal, with many of them set to make an immediate impact.

C.J Perez, a graduate transfer from Northern Illinois, is projected to be the Owls' starting center for the 2020 season. The 6-1, 287-lb. Kansas native started 20 games in his two seasons at NIU, with his first season played under current Temple head coach, Rod Carey. Perez was asked about how he feels about reconnecting with Carey. "It's very exciting. I believe my connection with Coach Carey and his staff is very strong, and it's a connection that I built with them really young as a collegiate athlete."

Michael Niese, a graduate transfer from Dayton, is projected to factor in at one of the offensive line positions for Temple this season. The 6-5, 275-lb. Missouri native played in 29 games, while starting 27, over the course of three seasons for the Flyers. Niese was very consistent during his time at Dayton, starting the last 22 games for the Flyers at right guard. The Owls are hopeful that Perez and Niese can improve an already talented O-line this season.

Jalen Ware, a redshirt junior transfer from Copiah-Lincoln Community College, is projected to play a big role at the safety position for the Owls this season. The Mississippi native played in 17 games over the course of two seasons for the Wolves. Last season was a career year for Ware, as he posted career highs in tackles (34), TFLs (3.5), and sacks (2), while also recording his first career interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery. Ware was asked about how this season's preparations have been different than in the past. "It's most definitely been different. It's been slower than normal (due to the pandemic), but coaches still expect us to be on top of our game every day." Temple hopes to pair Ware with Amir Tyler at safety as they look to replace Benny Walls and Ayron Monroe, both lost to graduation.

Manny Walker, a graduate transfer from Wake Forest, is projected to start at defensive end for the Owls this season. The 6-4, 250-lb. South Carolina native recorded 19 tackles, five TFLs, two sacks, and one interception in 21 games over two seasons for the Demon Deacons. Walker was asked about his transition to Temple. "The pandemic messed a lot up, but I'm fine now. I feel comfortable. I was nervous at first, but my new teammates made this transition easier." Temple lost its top four defensive ends from a year ago and expect Walker to come in and produce in his first season with the Owls.

Darius Pittman, a graduate transfer from Purdue, is expected to rotate in at tight end this season for Temple. The 6-3, 250-lb. Mississippi native recorded two receptions in 23 games over two seasons for the Boilermakers. Most of his impact in the past has come as a blocker and on special teams, so the Owls are looking to expand his role this season.

Re-al Mitchell, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Iowa State, is competing for a role at the quarterback position for the Owls this season. The California native completed two passes for 14 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 100 yards and one touchdown in five games during one season for the Cyclones. The Owls could look to use Mitchell in a change of pace role, similar to Todd Centeio last year, to help the offense led by starting quarterback Anthony Russo.

Willie Erdman, a graduate transfer from Georgia, joined the wide receiver room at Temple. The Florida native caught three passes for a total of 12 yards in two seasons with the Bulldogs. Erdman was also used in the running game twice in 2018, so he can provide some versatility for the Owls this season.

Nazir Burnett, a redshirt freshman from Georgia Tech, is expected to provide depth to an already talented wide receiver group. The Pennsylvania native played in two games for the Yellow Jackets in 2019.

Kwantel Raines, a redshirt sophomore from West Virginia, is not expected to play this season for the Owls due to transfer eligibility regulations. The Pennsylvania native recorded 10 tackles and one forced fumble in seven games over two seasons for the Mountaineers. Raines will look to make an impact at the BUBO position after he gains eligibility.

Mariano Valenti, a redshirt freshman from Northern Illinois, is expected to add depth to the quarterback room for the Owls this season. The Michigan native was recruited by Carey and his staff at NIU and was reunited with that coaching staff here at Temple.

Due to NCAA regulations, Burnett, Raines, and Valenti can practice but are non eligible to play in 2020.

Carey and his staff were very active in recruiting this offseason, and they are hoping that the new influx of talent can help an already strong Temple Owls team. The Owls went 8-5 last season, with an impressive 5-3 record in conference. Temple went bowling for a school record fifth straight season, appearing in the Military Bowl against North Carolina. The 2020 season will begin on October 10, with the Owls taking on the Navy Midshipmen in Annapolis, Md.

Temple University Athletics

New to the Nest

Players Mentioned

Nazir Burnett

Todd Centeio

Willie Erdman

Re-al Mitchell

Ayron Monroe

Michael Niese

Darius Pittman

Kwantel Raines

Anthony Russo

Amir Tyler

Mariano Valenti

Manny Walker

Benny Walls

Jalen Ware

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