Temple University Athletics
Football 2022 Spring Practice Blog
4.8.22 | Football
OwlSports.com will post a blog from each of the practices along with video of the players and/or coaches made available to the media on such days. Please come back throughout the spring to keep up with your Temple Owls.
Friday, March 11
Temple head coach Stan Drayton celebrated his birthday by living his best life – standing on the football field and giving instruction to young men as the 2022 Temple Owls took to the gridiron for the first time. It was just a coincidence that the first-time head coach's birthday fell on the initial day of practice but Temple fans hope that is just the beginning of things aligning well for their Owls.
After spending the past couple of months learning a new system, Drayton said that the players are thinking too much right now, but once they learn where they need to be, they will play much faster and be successful.
The practice opened with lots of energy. Chris Fenelon, the head strength and conditioning coach, had the team fired up from the opening stretches to start Day 1. One of the bright spots was DL Xach Gill, who missed all of last season due to injury. He made his return to the field and broke up a screen pass. Muheem McCargo, who is making the move from linebacker to safety, jumped a route and came down with an interception in 7-on-7 drills. QB D'Wan Mathis and WR Jose Barbon showed some chemistry on multiple occasions including a 30-yard sideline reception.
Following practice the team serenaded Drayton and sang Happy Birthday.
Saturday, March 12
On Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, despite rain, sleet, hail, and snow, nothing derailed the Temple Football team from delivering a solid practice in front of dozens of Temple faculty and staff members, and over 80 recruits. The weather proved to be a test today, both physically and mentally, and the Owls scored passing grades.
On the physical side, there is room for improvement as the conditions made for some slippery hands and feet. On one series separated by just a single play, safety DaeSean Winston picked up a pair of fumbles that he returned for touchdowns. However, quick cuts helped a pair of running backs as Trey Blair took a handoff to the left side and quickly outraced the defense for a 55-yard score. Newcomer Darvon Hubbard also broke a 25-yard run.
The team graded high on the mental execution of practice. The weather at times was challenging causing guests to watch most of practice from inside Edberg Olson Hall but the players gutted it out and stayed focused throughout the two-hour session.
Tuesday, March 15
Day three of spring ball was sunny, a welcome change from Saturday's snow day. The biggest change, however, was it was the first practice in pads for Stan Drayton's team, and the pads were popping.
The team showed a lot of energy and competitiveness the entirety of practice and the hitting only raised the energy.
The sun was not the only thing shining today as Malik Cooper, making a return to wide receiver after spending last year at running back, shined in the 7-on-7 drill. Cooper caught a short crossing route and turned on the jets to run past the defenders for a 55-yard score. He also made an highlight reel one-handed grab on the sideline to round out the drill.
Under center, D'Wan Mathis and Mariano Valenti looked very crisp in their quarterback drills. They both completed impressive deep passes to wide receivers Jose Barbon, Amad Anderson Jr., and Zae Baines, in addition to Cooper.
Before practice, Drayton mentioned the tight end position has been developing depth with three players – James Della Pesca, David Martin-Robinson, and Jordan Smith – competing at a high level. He also indicated that the defensive line has been a bright spot early this spring.
Thursday, March 17
On St. Patrick's Day, although the quarterbacks were wearing green, the luck seemed to be with the defense. That unit held its own during the run drills, featuring defensive ends Jordan Laudato and Layton Jordan making noteworthy plays at the line of scrimmage.
On a rain soaked day, the elements didn't slow down the defense as it was also raining interceptions. Defensive back Jalen Ware jumped an out-route to intercept a pass. Transfer linebacker Jacob Hollins added to the turnovers with a pick-six of his own on a deep crossing route. In the 7-on-7 drills, defensive backs, Alex Odom, and Dominick Hill played tight coverage and deflected passes.
After a very energetic practice, it was only right to end it on a high note. Defensive end Dyshier Clary put a stamp on the defense's performance with an interception that closed out the practice.
The entire defense heard Coach Drayton's call to action loud and clear: go get the ball.
Saturday, March 19
On a gorgeous Saturday for football, nearly 200 recruiting guests watched as the team worked through the morning drills.
The defense shined again in the third down segment. Kobe Wilson fell back in coverage and intercepted a pass. While linebackers Lamumba Howard Jr. and Audley Isaacs added with impressive pass breakups.
In Stan Drayton's introductory press conference, he mentioned that there is an open-door policy for former letter-winners. This held true today as a handful of former Owls showed up to practice. These players included Atlanta Falcons' center Matt Hennessy, 2011 Gildan New Mexico Bowl MVP, Chris Coyer, Kareem Ali, and recent graduates, Ra'von Bonner, Freddie Johnson, Tayvon Ruley, and Amir Tyler..
Drayton made a point in the post-practice huddle of how impressed he was with the team's enthusiasm and competitiveness. A few live tackling drills and the presence of the extra onlookers seemed to only heighten the energy.
Tuesday, March 22
Starting week three of practice, there were multiple live drills. Both the offense and the defense spent various drills exchanging explosive plays back and forth.
On the defensive side of the ball, transfer linebacker Jacob Hollins and defensive end Darian Varner recorded sacks in the full team drills. In the third down period of practice, hybrid linebacker/safety Muheem McCargo picked off a pass for the first turnover of the day.
The offense also had their opportunity to shine. Quarterback D'Wan Mathis completed multiple touchdowns during the Red Zone drill. On his first score, Mathis rolled out to his offhanded side and ripped a strong pass to receiver De'Von Fox for a touchdown. Next, he found tight end Magnus Geers on the sideline for a touchdown. However, perhaps the play of the day came when quarterback Mariano Valenti perfectly placed a ball to wide receiver Shekuna Kamara who made an outstanding one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone.
The defense, however, finished with the upper hand when defensive end Layton Jordan recovered a strip fumble, taking it to the house to close out practice.
Thursday, March 24
Spring practice felt more like winter practice today, as the players and coaches had to play through the cold and rain. Stan Drayton had mentioned previously that the defensive line has impressed early on this camp. That held true today as the defensive front continued to battle in the trenches.
In the live third down drills, it was raining sacks. Defensive tackles Jerquavion Mahone and Demerick Morris, defensive end Dyshier Clary, outside linebacker, Layton Jordan each added to the narrative. In the live running drills, Yvandy Rigby tracked down a running back to the outside making an impressive tackle for loss.
The defense had a handful of takeaways too. The first coming from safety DaeSean Winston in the 1-on-1 drill. The second one came from a strip fumble by linebacker Kobe Wilson and recovered by cornerback Keyshawn Paul in the live drills.
While the defense stood out most of the day, the offense was able to trade punches during the final Red Zone session.
Overall, Dayton asked that the team "run, hit and have fun," and that's what they did today.
Saturday, March 26
It was a strong showing as over 120 recruits crowded into Edberg Olson to celebrate Junior Day. A couple of former single-digit players, safety Delvon Randall, and College Football Hall of Fame running back Paul Palmer, were on hand to support the team.
The practice featured an 11-on-11 live scrimmage. Coach Drayton emphasized three major points for the team today: run, hit, and have fun. The team took those words to heart. On the running side, Darvon Hubbard broke out for a long 25-yard touchdown. While linebacker Kobe Wilson also laid down a hard and loud hit. Jalen Ware took an interception to the house, adding to the excitement of the defense.
The live scrimmages offered a lot of impressive plays on both sides of the ball, but it was the wide receivers who stole the show today. Wide receiver Jose Barbon made two impressive catches on the sideline. Kwesi Evans had the play of the day with a diving sideline catch all while keeping himself in bounds. De'Von Fox caught a touchdown in the red zone drills.
The live hitting brought the best out of the team with the most competitive practice to date.
Tuesday, March 29
It was one of those days that tested what it meant to be Temple TUFF, as temperatures were in the 20's for the entirety of practice. No better combination than football, cold weather and a "ground and pound" practice.
Despite the limited opportunities to make a big play, linebacker Jordan Magee still found a way to intercept a pass and take it to the house. While defensive tackle Jerquavion Mahone created interior disruption on a play and recovered a fumble.
In the second team drill of the day, it was the offense that stood out. Quarterbacks D'Wan Mathis, Mariano Valenti, and Matt Duncan completed seven straight passes to an assortment of receivers and tight ends.
Coach Drayton mentioned that he was pleased with the first team offenses' progression in last Saturday's scrimmage. This showed again today as the team moved the ball swiftly down the field in the team drills, setting up field goal attempts on multiple occasions.
To wrap up practice, the team exercised their two-minute drills. On the opening play of the drill, Mathis connected with wide receiver Jose Barbon on a shallow post pattern that went for a touchdown.
Thursday, March 31The offense was firing on all cylinders today, as Coach Drayton acknowledged they put up their best performance to date in spring practice.
In the red zone drill, quarterback D'Wan Mathis linked with David Martin-Robinson in the end zone for the tight end's first touchdown of the day. This was then followed up by a quick out route to wide receiver Amad Anderson Jr. for the two-point conversion. On the next series, Mathis rolled to the outside and rushed into the corner of the endzone for the touchdown. Running back Iverson Clement caught a swing pass to cap off the touchdown with the two-point conversion.
The scoring didn't stop there. In the live team drills, touchdowns were being put up on the board. Martin-Robinson, Anderson, and tight end Jordan Smith all found the end zone. Wide receiver Zae Baines showed off the hops as he made a leaping reception over the defender. Out of all the touchdowns, it was wide receiver Malik Cooper who made the play of the day. Quarterback Mariano Valenti heaved a ball into the corner of the end zone, while Cooper fought off the defender for the one-handed grab.
The offense found its footing today, but once again it was the defense who got the last laugh as safety DaeSean Winston intercepted a ball to close out practice.
Saturday, April 2
The defense wasted no time getting ready for today's action. In the first live drill, linebacker Jordan Magee started off the turnover medley with an interception and then continued it with a fumble recovery. Safety Sam Martin added to the total with an impressive over-the-shoulder interception in the 7-on-7 drill. Outside linebacker Lawrence Norton disrupted a play and picked off the ball.
Perhaps the biggest moment of practice came in the red zone drills. The defense was a brick wall on the goal line, stopping the offense on six straight plays inside the two-yard line. Everyone was making plays on the defensive side of the ball. Safety DaeSean Winston continued his strong camp as he intercepted a ball in the endzone, leaping over the receiver.
Once again practice was ended with an interception. Today it was cornerback Andrew Garwo who made the final play. The defense mounted its most takeaways this spring with seven overall across all the drills. Equally as impressive, they kept the offense out of the end zone.
Tuesday, April 5
Today marked the beginning of the last week of Spring ball.
Today's storyline comes from the big men up front. The offensive line shined today allowing zero sacks and minimal pressure throughout the live drills. The protection up front from the big men allowed for the quarterbacks to be comfortable. They also gave room for running backs; Edward Saydee, Darvon Hubbard, and Trey Blair to break free for a couple of long runs.
However, the running backs weren't the only ones to shine. In the red zone 7-on-7, wide receiver Amad Anderson caught two highlight reel touchdowns on back-to-back plays, both of which he had to leave his feet to catch.
The team as a whole is looking to get into its best mindset, as the annual Cherry & White game is within their sights.
Thursday, April 7
Practice started out with a steady mist, but with the impending heavy rain, the players knew that they had to make their time count.
With that in mind, wide receiver Malik Cooper caught two deep passes in the one-on-one drills, both off the hand of quarterback Mariano Valenti.
About one hour in, lightning struck and practice was cut short. The team went inside to do walkthrough. Luckily the team will have one more practice tomorrow before their Cherry and White game on Saturday.
Friday, April 8
With special teams not expected to be a big part of tomorrow's Cherry & White Game, a great deal of emphasis was placed on those units during Friday's practice. The team worked on all four phases spending extra time on punt coverage and return blocking.
In the team drills, two plays by the offense stood out. Tight end Jordan Smith made a one-handed grab on a throw from quarterback Matt Duncan. Then, during a two-minute drill, quarterback D'Wan Mathis found wide receiver Jose Barbon in the corner of the endzone for a toe-drag touchdown that ended practice.
Following practice, the team was addressed by former Temple defensive back and current coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kevin Ross. He is back on campus for Stan Drayton's Coaches Clinic and will be an honorary captain of the Cherry & White Game tomorrow afternoon.
| Date | Session | Media Availability |
| Friday, March 11 | Practice 1 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Saturday, March 12 | Practice 2 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Tuesday, March 15 | Practice 3 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Thursday, March 17 | Practice 4 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Saturday, March 19 | Practice 5 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Tuesday, March 22 | Practice 6 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Thursday, March 24 | Practice 7 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Saturday, March 26 | Practice 8 | Stan Drayton (video) |
| Tuesday, March 29 | Practice 9 | DC D.J. Eliot (video) |
| Thursday, March 31 | Practice 10 | OC Danny Langsdorf (video) |
| Saturday, April 2 | Practice 11 | STC Adam Scheier (video) |
| Tuesday, April 5 | Practice 12 | DL Antoine Smith (video) |
| Thursday, April 7 | Practice 13 | OL Chris Wiesehan (video) |
| Friday, April 8 | Practice 14 | |
| Saturday, April 9 | Cherry & White Spring Game | Stan Drayton (video) |
