Football Begins Fall Practice in Preparation for 2022 Season

Photo by: Christian Angelini

Football Begins Fall Practice in Preparation for 2022 Season

8.23.22 | Football

2022 Record & Fact Book

Temple enters the 2022 season looking to return to its winning ways.

In the six seasons prior to COVID, the Owls were bowl eligible each year and had a school-record five consecutive bowl appearances. The overall record during that span was 49-30 and Temple won the American Athletic Conference Championship in 2016.

In the two seasons since the pandemic, Temple recorded just a 4-15 ledger.

Both success and failure have led the Cherry and White to alter leadership as the Owls will take the field with its fourth different head coach in the last seven openers.

Incoming first-time head coach Stan Drayton, who won national championships at both Florida and Ohio State, has injected the program with the attitude and energy that was prevalent during Temple's recent success. He has reshaped the roster by bringing in youthful competition at every position, while restoring the pride and attitude that branded the Owls Temple TUFF.

There is a good nucleus of players with college football experience, yet more than half the roster has four years of eligibility remaining. The Owls are Chasing Greatness, and they plan to be great for a long time.

Throughout August, we will post a daily practice blog in this space. Please return frequently for daily updates. In addition, we will post all of the team's media availability on this page.

Date	Availability
Friday, August 5	Stan Drayton (video), Danny Langsdorf (video), D.J. Eliot (video), Adam Scheier (video)
Monday, August 8	Stan Drayton (video), Jules Montinar (video), Jafar Williams (video)
Friday, August 12	Stan Drayton (video), Antoine Smith (video), Chris Wiesehan (video)
Monday, August 15	Stan Drayton (video), Adam Klein (video), Adonicas Sanders (video), Darian Varner (video)
Monday, August 22	Stan Drayton (video)
Thursday, August 25	Stan Drayton (video), Jordan Magee (video), Jalen McMurray (video), Isaac Moore (video)

Wednesday, August 3
The Owls took to Chodoff Field at Edberg Olson Hall for the first, full summer camp since 2019. The 2020 camp will be remembered for its outside tented locker room and limited squad drills due to COVID protocols. Last year, the Owls practiced in New York at SUNY Maritime.

With temperatures in the 80s, the Owls came out for the first day in helmets and shorts, an NCAA requirement. No player had the familiar "Temple T" on their helmet as Drayton wants them all to earn that honor throughout camp.

Officially at 8:50 a.m., Noah Botsford led the specialists out of the locker room and they were quickly followed by cornerbacks Nate Wyatt and Cameron Ruiz as the first players to take the field.

The practice itself allowed the coaches their initial look at many transfers and freshmen who joined the team since spring ball, running the drills they learned in the classroom this summer. Drayton warned the players that they need to process everything they learned and start flying around on the field.

A few standout plays from the first practice included an interception by cornerback Jalen McMurray on the first play of one-on-ones; safeties Alex Odom and Jalen Ware also had picks; linebacker Yvandy Rigby stripped a reception on an out-route that linebacker D.J. Woodbury snatched in the air and returned for a touchdown; quarterback Mariano Valenti threw a 40-yard strike to wide receiver Jose Barbon; Barbon was also on the receiving end of a 25-yard sideline toe-tap catch from quarterback D'Wan Mathis; and wide receiver Zae Baines ended practice with a 60-yard touchdown run on a reverse.

Thursday August 4
Day two of fall camp was a scorcher. Temperatures in the 90s made for a challenge, but the TUFF guys prevailed. Some big plays by the offense that jumped out to observers were made by the wide receivers, specifically Malik Cooper and Amad Anderson Jr.

On the defensive side of the ball, today's highlights came at the line of scrimmage. Linebacker Kobe Wilson, safety Corey Cuascut-Palmer, and cornerback Cameron Ruiz each batted down passes at the line of scrimmage. Overall, through the first two days of camp, an emphasis is being placed on fundamentals throughout all three phases of the game.

Friday August 5
The first day in shoulder pads was dominated by plays made by the defense. During the first play of seven-on-seven drills, linebacker Jordan Magee broke up a pass over the middle of the field. This route jumping would continue, as later in practice, safeties Elijah Deravil and Alex Odom each recorded pass breakups. The most notable defensive play of the day was when linebacker Kobe Wilson forced a fumble that outside linebacker Layton Jordan advanced for a touchdown. The bright spot for the offense was a 65-yard touchdown run by running back Onasis Neely who is making a healthy return to the field.

Saturday August 6
The defense set the tone on Saturday by forcing the offense to turn the ball over four times. Safety DaeSean Winston got the pick party started in one-on-one drills. It would continue in team drills with cornerback Jalen McMurray, safety Elijah Deravil, and linebacker DJ Woodbury all recording interceptions. The last highlight for the defense came in the form of a TFL for outside linebacker Layton Jordan during a drill where Coach Drayton asked for the best 11 guys on each side of the ball to go head-to-head.

For the offense, quarterbacks D'Wan Mathis, Quincy Patterson and E.J. Warner looked sharp, completing passes in bunches. Wide receivers Jaden Coffen and Kwesi Evans each made contested catches, while Adonicas Sanders added a 40-yard over the shoulder grab. The Owls have an off day tomorrow and are back at it on Monday.

Monday August 8
The Temple offense dominated on the first day of the second week of camp. All four quarterbacks had shining moments throughout the day connecting with a deep receiving corps. D'Wan Mathis hit Adonicas Sanders over the top for a 45-yard play, and then found him again later in the red zone drill for a touchdown. Quincy Patterson and Jaden Coffen connected for a score in the red zone. Mariano Valenti and E.J. Warner each found Zae Baines for chunk plays on multiple occasions.

On the defensive side, linebacker Jordan Magee got his hands on an interception early on in practice, while the defensive line was disrupting plays all day.

Tuesday August 9
Tuesday's practice was full of big plays and big energy on both sides of the ball. The defense was led by linebackers Jordan Magee and Layton Jordan, who certainly heard Coach Drayton say that they needed to stack good practices on top of each other. Jordan had two sacks in team drills to give the defense momentum, while Magee dominated in one-on-one drills versus the running backs. A pair of JUCO transfers combined for a turnover with linebacker Tra Thomas forcing a fumble and safety Elijah Deravil recovering it. Deravil was also a heavy hitter in one-on-one tackling drills against receivers. Safeties DaeSean Winston and DeJuan Dandridge each contributed during team drills with Winston intercepting a pass and Dandridge blowing up a play in the backfield recording a TFL.

The offense had its share of impact plays as well. D'Wan Mathis found Adonicas Sanders in the endzone for the second straight day. Mathis also connected with Jose Barbon for a score, and ran one in himself. Quincy Patterson found Zae Baines for a touchdown adding to a great day for the quarterbacks. Mariano Valenti hit Barbon on a downfield heave during a free play for a gain of 45 yards. All the quarterbacks, including Elijah Warner, were successful in the redzone drills. Running backs Edward Saydee and Trey Blair each found paydirt in a goal line stand drill to end practice.

Wednesday August 10
Another physical day on Chodoff Field as the big boys upfront were battling each other all practice with the emphasis on the running game. Each side had its share of good plays with a few running backs breaking long runs and the defensive line registering a few TFLs.

Today's highlights from the offense included quarterback D'Wan Mathis finding wide receiver Adonicas Sanders in the endzone twice during a redzone drill, the fourth time those two have connected for points in three days. Quarterback Quincy Patterson also led the team into the endzone, finding wide receiver Zae Baines for the second consecutive day. Quarterbacks E.J. Warner and Mariano Valenti each found ways to be successful in leading their offense down the field during the team's move the ball drill.

Defensively, the secondary had its shining moments. Cornerbacks Jalen McMurray and Elijah Clark each recorded PBUs during the redzone drill, with McMurray adding a tipped pass that ended up in the hands of safety DaeSean Winston for an interception.

Thursday August 11
On a day where practice was pushed to the evening, the Owls' defense was ready for prime time. Cornerback Jalen McMurray started the day off early with an interception that he wrestled away from the receiver before going out of bounds. Linebackers Jordan Magee and D.J. Woodbury each added interceptions over the middle of the field.

The redzone drill proved to go in the offense's favor once again. Running back Trey Blair found the endzone again, while quarterback Quincy Patterson found receiver De'Von Fox for a score in the same drill. Later in practice, quarterback Mariano Valenti rolled out and found receiver Shekuna Kamara for 35 yards down near the goal line.

To end practice, the team engaged in an end of half, one minute drill. The defense stood tall during this drill, stopping the offense from moving the ball effectively. Kicker Rory Bell made sure they still came away with points knocking in two field goals on two tries.

The later start time was due to expected bad weather. However, it led to special guests attending the later session. President Wingard and Vice President/Director of Athletics Arthur Johnson attended with their families, several NFL scouts paced the sidelines, and a couple of Temple's all-time great defenders – Steve Conjar and Jacob Martin – watched intently. Martin returns to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since playing for Temple. He is in town with the New York Jets who take on the Eagles tomorrow night.

Friday August 12
Today's practice was a reprieve from full tackling, in preparation for tomorrow's first scrimmage of camp. The defense won the day, beating the offense in the one-minute drill. Coach Drayton said after practice that he lost count of how many big plays the defense had during that drill.

The offense's bright spot came from a familiar duo. Quarterback D'Wan Mathis found receiver Adonicas Sanders for a touchdown in the redzone drill, the fifth time they have connected for a score this week.

Saturday August 13
The Owls' first scrimmage of the fall began at 10:05am. The offense jumped out early, with running back Trey Blair bursting up the gut for a 52-yard run down to the three-yard line. Quarterback D'Wan Mathis ran it in two plays later. Continuing the tough inside running was Darvon Hubbard, who punched one in from just outside the goal line. Later in the scrimmage, quarterback E.J. Warner launched a pass to wide receiver De'Von Fox for a 45-yard touchdown. Adding to the wideout success was Malik Cooper, who was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes from Mathis and Quincy Patterson. Receiver Kwesi Evans made his mark with a 360-sideline highlight reel catch.

For the defense, turnovers and physical presence set the tone. Safety Elijah Deravil and corner Jalen McMurray each had interceptions, something they both have been doing all camp. Linebackers Layton Jordan and DJ Woodbury each lived in the backfield all day, blowing up runs and putting pressure on the quarterback.

On special teams, kicker Rory Bell was tasked with knocking in a 50-yard boot to close out the end of half drill. The Owls have an off day tomorrow but will be back to work on Monday.

THE highlight of the day, though, was a surprise visit from many of the players families. Unbeknownst to the team, families were invited to attend practice and have lunch with their kids. As an added bonus following a highly competitive and energetic scrimmage, players were given the afternoon off to spend extra time with their families.

Monday August 15
Following an off day, the Owls returned to Chodoff Field Monday evening. The defense led the way, forcing three takeaways. Linebacker Layton Jordan picked off a ball in the middle of the field and took it 65 yards to the house. Safety Alex Odom and cornerback Elijah Clark each intercepted passes, as well.

On offense, the play of the day came in the two-minute end of half drill, when quarterback D'Wan Mathis found receiver Jose Barbon for a 35-yard touchdown.

Temple will practice again tomorrow evening.

Tuesday August 16
Six players debuted their new single-digits on Tuesday evening. Offensive linemen Adam Klein came out in #2 and Isaac Moore in #4, receiver Adonicas Sanders in #5, linebacker Jordan Magee in #6, cornerback Jalen McMurray in #7, and defensive lineman Darian Varner in #9.

It was a great day for both the offense and defense. Practice began with a tough inside run by running back Trey Blair, fighting for extra yards through contact. Quarterback D'Wan Mathis found a receiver that led to a score five times, including tight end Jordan Smith twice, wide receivers Amad Anderson Jr. and Jose Barbon, and running back Onasis Neely. Quarterback Quincy Patterson connected with receiver De'Von Fox in the endzone, while quarterback E.J. Warner found tight end Magnus Geers for an over the shoulder catch.

The defense was about forcing turnovers in key situations. New single-digit cornerback Jalen McMurray came away with two interceptions, one in the endzone during an end of game scenario. Safety DaeSean Winston also had two interceptions in big moments during the two-minute drill. Safety Alex Odom forced a fumble, while linebacker Tra Thomas sacked the quarterback to stop the offenses' drive in its track. The Owls return to practice tomorrow evening.

Wednesday August 17
Practice began with a bang from the defense when linebacker Kobe Wilson intercepted a pass on the first play of 7-on-7's. That wasn't the only turnover forced by a linebacker, as Yvandy Rigby forced a fumble during an end of game drill. In the same drill, cornerback Daiyaan Hawkins blocked a field goal cleanly off the edge.

The offense got its opportunities to shine as well. Quarterbacks D'Wan Mathis and Mariano Valenti each found receivers in the endzone during the end of game drill. Mathis hit receiver Amad Anderson Jr., while Valenti heaved a ball 40 yards down field to receiver Jaden Coffen, who leapt over top of the defender to make the catch.

After an off day tomorrow, the Owls will return to practice Friday morning.

Friday August 19
With the season opener just two weeks away and a scrimmage scheduled for tomorrow, a good deal of time in today's practice focused in on special teams and game situations.

In the 7-on-7 portion of practice, cornerback Elijah Clark recorded back-to-back PBUs. The offense responded with a Clark of its own when freshman tight end Reece (no relation) caught a 25-yard seam pass two plays later.

In the team blitz drills defensive lineman Lancine Turay used his 6'6" frame and long wingspan to deflect a pass that he intercepted and returned for a score. Again, the offense responded with a big play of its own when running back Jakari Norwood turned a wheel route into a 55-yard play.

Saturday August 20
Today marked the second scrimmage of fall camp for the Owls. Coach Drayton addressed the team before the day began, telling them to have a gameday mentality. On the first play of 7-on-7's, quarterback D'Wan Mathis hit receiver Adonicas Sanders over the top for 50 yards, and then found receiver Jose Barbon for 25 yards on the sideline.

On the first play of the team scrimmage, running back Darvon Hubbard ran up the gut and busted through the secondary for a 65-yard touchdown.

Countering the explosive plays by the offense was the defensive line, who created pressure all day on the quarterbacks and disrupted running plays. Linebacker Kobe Wilson made the impact play of the day, intercepting a ball and taking it 60 yards to the house.

Temple has an off day tomorrow, but it returns to the practice field on Monday.

Monday August 22
The Owls are approaching regular season mode with Monday marking the official start of the semester. The defense is playing like it is the regular season, forcing three turnovers in the secondary. Safeties Alex Odom and Jalen Ware each had an interception, while cornerback Daiyaan Hawkins added a pick of his own. Offensively, running back Onasis Neely provided a spark with a 35-yard run to the outside.

Tuesday August 23
As the Owls are getting "game ready" according to Coach Drayton, a big focus was put on playing sound, fundamental football. The defense continues to make game ready plays, as safety Alex Odom intercepted a ball in the endzone, his second in as many days.

Wednesday August 24
Nine days and counting from the Owls' season opener at Duke, the team continues to put in the work. Quarterback D'Wan Mathis flashed during seven-on-seven drills, hitting receiver Adonicas Sanders and tight end Jordan Smith for touchdowns. The defense continues to force turnovers, with cornerback Jalen McMurray and linebacker Jacob Hollins recording interceptions today.

Thursday August 25
The last Thursday practice before game week left a heavy focus on situational football. One play on each side of the ball stood out with receiver Malik Cooper recording a contested catch in the end zone, and cornerback Elijah Clark pulling in an interception.

Coach Drayton announced in his post practice media availability that incumbent quarterback D'Wan Mathis has earned the starting assignment for next week's game at Duke.

Thursday was the last summer practice, which marks the end of this blog. Please keep an eye out for weekly game notes to come out every Monday during the regular season.