Temple University Athletics
Blue, Braswell and Tyler Earn Single-Digits
8.17.20 | Football
PHILADELPHIA – Temple Football head coach Rod Carey announced today that three players have been awarded single-digit jerseys. Safety Amir Tyler moves from number 25 to number 3, cornerback Christian Braswell moves from number 14 to number 2, and wide receiver Jadan Blue switches from number 18 to number 5.
A Temple tradition that was originally instituted by then head coach Al Golden in 2009, the awarding of single-digits has become one of the most symbolic in all of college football. The toughest players, on and off the field, as awarded by their teammates, has become an identity and badge of honor to those who are deemed "Temple Tuff." In fact, several other college football programs have copied the tradition.
A redshirt senior, Tyler was tied for sixth on the Owls in tackles in 2019 with 54 despite starting just the last seven games. He returns as the team's leading tackler after four of the five ahead of him from a year ago begin their NFL careers. Tyler had played mostly special teams in 2017-18 before breaking into the starting lineup in 2019. He will don the number 3, following in the footsteps of Chapelle Russell – the two were teammates at Lakewood (N.J.) High as well.
"It means a lot to even be in the same category of those previously voted as a single digit player," said Tyler. "I'm honored. There are many single digits before who have led the right way and were amazing teammates. My teammates have now put that trust in me. To put me in this position to be a leader on this team, I will help in any way that I can. I don't know what more I could ask for. I will hold up my part and do the best I can for them."
Braswell played in 12 games in each of the past two seasons earning a starting role opposite Harrison Hand (fifth round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2020) a year ago. The Washington, D.C., native is a redshirt junior who has racked up 40 tackles, two interceptions, 13 passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in his career.
Braswell said, "I'm truly thankful, blessed, and honored to receive this single digit! It means so much to me to earn this because I know how far the single-digit tradition goes back into Temple history and for me to work to this point and to be a part of this tradition now is incredible. I'm written down in history, and that's something that can't be taken away from me."
A redshirt junior, Blue set the Temple marks with 95 catches for 1,067 yards in 2019. He had four games with 10+ catches and five 100-yard games a year ago despite starting just eight contests. The Randallstown, Md., native is poised to take over the primary punt and kickoff return duties in 2020 after the departure of All-American Isaiah Wright.
"Being a single digit means so much to me because it means so much more than what you can do on the field," said Blue. "It's a representation of your character and how you handle yourself off the field, on the field. It's a special feeling to get one because my character has been recognized and not just my play."
Tyler, Braswell, and Blue join wide receiver Branden Mack (#1), defensive tackle Daniel Archibong (#6), wide receiver Randle Jones (#7), and linebacker Isaiah Graham-Mobley (#8) among those with single-digits for 2020. They were each awarded their numbers in 2019 and carried it over to this season. The numbers 4 and 9 may be issued at a later date.
A Temple tradition that was originally instituted by then head coach Al Golden in 2009, the awarding of single-digits has become one of the most symbolic in all of college football. The toughest players, on and off the field, as awarded by their teammates, has become an identity and badge of honor to those who are deemed "Temple Tuff." In fact, several other college football programs have copied the tradition.
A redshirt senior, Tyler was tied for sixth on the Owls in tackles in 2019 with 54 despite starting just the last seven games. He returns as the team's leading tackler after four of the five ahead of him from a year ago begin their NFL careers. Tyler had played mostly special teams in 2017-18 before breaking into the starting lineup in 2019. He will don the number 3, following in the footsteps of Chapelle Russell – the two were teammates at Lakewood (N.J.) High as well.
"It means a lot to even be in the same category of those previously voted as a single digit player," said Tyler. "I'm honored. There are many single digits before who have led the right way and were amazing teammates. My teammates have now put that trust in me. To put me in this position to be a leader on this team, I will help in any way that I can. I don't know what more I could ask for. I will hold up my part and do the best I can for them."
Braswell played in 12 games in each of the past two seasons earning a starting role opposite Harrison Hand (fifth round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 2020) a year ago. The Washington, D.C., native is a redshirt junior who has racked up 40 tackles, two interceptions, 13 passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in his career.
Braswell said, "I'm truly thankful, blessed, and honored to receive this single digit! It means so much to me to earn this because I know how far the single-digit tradition goes back into Temple history and for me to work to this point and to be a part of this tradition now is incredible. I'm written down in history, and that's something that can't be taken away from me."
A redshirt junior, Blue set the Temple marks with 95 catches for 1,067 yards in 2019. He had four games with 10+ catches and five 100-yard games a year ago despite starting just eight contests. The Randallstown, Md., native is poised to take over the primary punt and kickoff return duties in 2020 after the departure of All-American Isaiah Wright.
"Being a single digit means so much to me because it means so much more than what you can do on the field," said Blue. "It's a representation of your character and how you handle yourself off the field, on the field. It's a special feeling to get one because my character has been recognized and not just my play."
Tyler, Braswell, and Blue join wide receiver Branden Mack (#1), defensive tackle Daniel Archibong (#6), wide receiver Randle Jones (#7), and linebacker Isaiah Graham-Mobley (#8) among those with single-digits for 2020. They were each awarded their numbers in 2019 and carried it over to this season. The numbers 4 and 9 may be issued at a later date.
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