Temple University Athletics
2023 Spring Practice Blog
4.7.23 | Football
On Tuesday, February 28, Temple Football held the first of 15 allotted spring practices, the second under head coach Stan Drayton. The 2023 spring will culminate with the Cherry & White Spring Game to be held at Edberg Olson Hall on Saturday, April 8, at 3:00pm.
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.
Tuesday, February 28
In what is believed to be the earliest start of spring football at Temple, the Owls took the field on the final day of February. Coach Drayton knows that the first two practices are helmets only and wanted to go through them prior to spring break so that once the team returns, they can begin practicing in full pads.
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With 20 new players on the 85-man roster, a focus for the day was having everyone moving in the proper direction. While Coach Drayton conceded that there would be some mistakes, he emphasized that he wanted the players moving fast and with high energy.
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The play of the day came from quarterback E.J. Warner and wide receiver Zae Baines. The two combined for back-to-back completions for first downs. However, on the first of those two, Baines made a diving catch landing inbounds before sliding on the wet turf out-of-bounds.
Thursday, March 2
The 2023 defensive line returns a trio of players - Lancine Turay, Jerquavion Mahone, and Demerick Morris - who made significant contributions last season. Those three each played in all 12 games and combined for 35 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. Joining them this season will be redshirt sophomore Allan Haye, a transfer from Miami (Fla.) as well as a group of improving young players.
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The plays of the day came from two veterans of the defense, Jordan Magee and Alex Odom, who each came away with interceptions during the seven on seven drill. Odom would later add a pick-six during the full team drill, ending a great day for the defense.
Tuesday, March 14
The tight end room is one of the most senior groups on the team, returning three veterans - David Martin-Robinson, Jordan Smith, and James Della Pesca - who made significant contributions last season. Martin-Robinson and Smith finished last season as Temple's fourth and fifth highest receivers, recording 33 and 25 catches respectively. Della Pesca served as one of the special teams leaders on all units.
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The play of the day came from Darvon Hubbard as the redshirt sophomore running back bursted up the middle for a 55-yard touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.
Thursday, March 16
The safeties room remains deep heading into 2023, returning a majority of its production, including the team's third leading tackler from a year ago Alex Odom. who made significant contributions last season.
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The play of the day was QB Quincy Patterson finding WR Jordan Diaz on a seam route down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.
Saturday, March 18
The offensive line returns six players who started at least one game last season - James Faminu (5), Jimto Obidegwu (1), Wisdom Quarshie (9), Richard Rodriguez (8), Victor Stoffel (7), and Bryce Thoman (8).
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The play of the day was QB E.J. Warner finding WR Shekuna Kamara on a double move down the sideline for a 45-yard touchdown during 7-on-7 drills.
Tuesday, March 21
Alpha Owl is an honor given to players for their performance on and off the field during winter workouts by head strength and conditioning coach, Chris Fenelon. This winter five players were awarded that title: QB E.J. Warner, DL Demerick Morris, SAF Alex Odom, RB Qwentin Rose, and LB D.J. Woodbury. The Alpha Owls will continue to serve as leaders on the team throughout the spring. Â
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The play of the day came from SAF Brenyen Scott, who jumped a route in the redzone and created a takeaway.
Thursday, March 23
Temple's 2023 wide receiver room looks to replace two of its top receivers from last year, Jose Barbon and Adonicas Sanders, who combined for 1,355 receiving yards on 99 catches, with four touchdowns. Temple plucked former Colorado State wide receiver Dante Wright from the transfer portal, just as the Owls did two years ago bringing in Amad Anderson Jr. from Purdue, both of whom are expected to play a significant role this season.
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The play of the day came from SAF Alex Odom, who intercepted an out route and took it to the house in 7-on-7 drills.
Saturday, March 25
The Owls competed in their first spring scrimmage on Saturday. All three sides of the ball were tested, with the offense, defense, and special teams all responding well to game scenarios. The first and second team offense each put up multiple touchdowns, while the defense was making it tough for them all day. The kickers were in mid-season form as well. Outside of the weather, which caused practice to be moved to the indoor facility, it was an overall great day for Temple.
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The play of the day came from WR Amad Anderson Jr., who made a one-handed catch in the corner of the endzone during the scrimmage.
Tuesday, March 28
Temple enters the second half of spring practice, with just under two weeks until the Cherry and White spring game on Saturday, April 8th. WR Amad Anderson Jr. and LB D.J. Woodbury are expected to contribute on each side of the ball this season. Anderson is Temple's most productive receiver returning from a year ago, recording 38 catches for 479 yards. Woodbury played in 10 games for the Owls in 2022, and is expected to see more time at linebacker this season.
The plays of the day came from Anderson and TE David Martin-Robinson, who recorded a pair of 55-yard touchdown catches in the 11-on-11 drills.
Thursday, March 30
Thursday's practice marked the second spring scrimmage for Temple, which allows the players and staff to practice their in-game scenarios. After the offense got the better of the defense last Saturday, the defense showed up today, making key plays every chance they had. They forced a handful of takeaways, while making important stops on third down multiple times. A large part of the defense's success this year hinders on the play of Coach Dominique Bowman's cornerback room. Led by single-digit, Jalen McMurray, the corners are one of the deepest groups on the team.
The play of the day was QB Quincy Patterson finding WR Shekuna Kamara on seam route for a 55-yard touchdown in the 7-on-7 drills.
Saturday, April 1
Saturday's practice featured a visit from legendary coach, Dick Vermeil, who won the Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams in 1999 in a season known as "The Greatest Show on Turf." Vermeil coached Temple QB E.J. Warner's father, Kurt, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022. Vermeil addressed the team with Coach Drayton after practice.
The 2023 running back room features a familiar face making his return to Temple. Coach Tyree Foreman, who coached at Temple from 2007-14, took over as the running backs coach this spring. The Owls return their leading rusher from a year ago, Edward Saydee, as well as bringing in FIU transfer E.J. Wilson. The rest of the room includes Darvon Hubbard, Qwentin Rose, and freshman Kyle Williams.
The play of the day was made by SAF Wesley Fry made a drive-ending interception during the team end-of-half drill.
Tuesday, April 4
The Owls passing attack, coached by Danny Langsdorf, ranked 30th in the country last season, thanks in large part to QB E.J. Warner. Warner returns following a stellar freshman campaign, setting the single-game passing record for yards (527) and completions (45), while throwing for a career-high five touchdowns against East Carolina in the season finale. He became the first quarterback in school history to throw for over 500 yards in a game, the first to post two 400-yard games in a season, and the first to post three 300-yard games in one season. At the end of his first season, Warner owned many Temple single-season records. His 3,028 passing yards are the most by a freshman in Temple history, and it ranks second to P.J. Walker's 2016 total of 3,295 for most by any quarterback. Warner is in sole possession of first place on the all-time single-season completions record with 278. He also was the only quarterback in the FBS to throw for over 450 yards in a game multiple times in 2022. Warner became the first Temple player to win AAC Rookie of the Year since its inception in 2013 (Tyler Matakevich won the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2012). In addition to Warner, the quarterback room features veteran Quincy Patterson and freshman Tyler Douglas.
The play of the day was made by WR Amad Anderson, who hauled in a 30-yard contested catch thrown by Warner.
Thursday, April 6
The special teams units, headed by Coach Adam Scheier, will look a little different this year. It features a new punter in Australian freshman Dante Atton, as well as a new kicker in Chris Van Eekeren, a transfer from Purdue, to pair with the incumbent Camden Price. Price had a good season as the primary place kicker, knocking in 13-14 field goals, with his longest coming from 49 yards. Van Eekeren was primarily a kickoff specialist at Purdue, a role that he will look to continue at Temple. Andrew McIlquham returns as the primary long snapper, while Wagner transfer Brylan Noonan will provide competition in the room.
The play of the day was made by LB London Hall, who made an incredible interception while turning his body around to make a play on the ball.
Friday, April 7
The 2023 defense will be coached by new defensive coordinator, and previous chief of staff, Everett Withers. Withers brings over 30 years of coaching experience, including multiple stops as a Power 5 defensive coordinator. The defense returns its top three leading tacklers from a season ago (Jordan Magee, Yvandy Rigby, Alex Odom), as well as its top producer in sacks and TFLs, Layton Jordan.Â
The play of the day was made by QB E.J. Warner and WR D'Wan Mathis, who beat his defender for a 65-yard touchdown in the 7-on-7 drill.
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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.
Tuesday, February 28
In what is believed to be the earliest start of spring football at Temple, the Owls took the field on the final day of February. Coach Drayton knows that the first two practices are helmets only and wanted to go through them prior to spring break so that once the team returns, they can begin practicing in full pads.
Â
With 20 new players on the 85-man roster, a focus for the day was having everyone moving in the proper direction. While Coach Drayton conceded that there would be some mistakes, he emphasized that he wanted the players moving fast and with high energy.
Â
The play of the day came from quarterback E.J. Warner and wide receiver Zae Baines. The two combined for back-to-back completions for first downs. However, on the first of those two, Baines made a diving catch landing inbounds before sliding on the wet turf out-of-bounds.
Thursday, March 2
The 2023 defensive line returns a trio of players - Lancine Turay, Jerquavion Mahone, and Demerick Morris - who made significant contributions last season. Those three each played in all 12 games and combined for 35 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. Joining them this season will be redshirt sophomore Allan Haye, a transfer from Miami (Fla.) as well as a group of improving young players.
Â
The plays of the day came from two veterans of the defense, Jordan Magee and Alex Odom, who each came away with interceptions during the seven on seven drill. Odom would later add a pick-six during the full team drill, ending a great day for the defense.
Tuesday, March 14
The tight end room is one of the most senior groups on the team, returning three veterans - David Martin-Robinson, Jordan Smith, and James Della Pesca - who made significant contributions last season. Martin-Robinson and Smith finished last season as Temple's fourth and fifth highest receivers, recording 33 and 25 catches respectively. Della Pesca served as one of the special teams leaders on all units.
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The play of the day came from Darvon Hubbard as the redshirt sophomore running back bursted up the middle for a 55-yard touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.
Thursday, March 16
The safeties room remains deep heading into 2023, returning a majority of its production, including the team's third leading tackler from a year ago Alex Odom. who made significant contributions last season.
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The play of the day was QB Quincy Patterson finding WR Jordan Diaz on a seam route down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.
Saturday, March 18
The offensive line returns six players who started at least one game last season - James Faminu (5), Jimto Obidegwu (1), Wisdom Quarshie (9), Richard Rodriguez (8), Victor Stoffel (7), and Bryce Thoman (8).
Â
The play of the day was QB E.J. Warner finding WR Shekuna Kamara on a double move down the sideline for a 45-yard touchdown during 7-on-7 drills.
Tuesday, March 21
Alpha Owl is an honor given to players for their performance on and off the field during winter workouts by head strength and conditioning coach, Chris Fenelon. This winter five players were awarded that title: QB E.J. Warner, DL Demerick Morris, SAF Alex Odom, RB Qwentin Rose, and LB D.J. Woodbury. The Alpha Owls will continue to serve as leaders on the team throughout the spring. Â
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The play of the day came from SAF Brenyen Scott, who jumped a route in the redzone and created a takeaway.
Thursday, March 23
Temple's 2023 wide receiver room looks to replace two of its top receivers from last year, Jose Barbon and Adonicas Sanders, who combined for 1,355 receiving yards on 99 catches, with four touchdowns. Temple plucked former Colorado State wide receiver Dante Wright from the transfer portal, just as the Owls did two years ago bringing in Amad Anderson Jr. from Purdue, both of whom are expected to play a significant role this season.
Â
The play of the day came from SAF Alex Odom, who intercepted an out route and took it to the house in 7-on-7 drills.
Saturday, March 25
The Owls competed in their first spring scrimmage on Saturday. All three sides of the ball were tested, with the offense, defense, and special teams all responding well to game scenarios. The first and second team offense each put up multiple touchdowns, while the defense was making it tough for them all day. The kickers were in mid-season form as well. Outside of the weather, which caused practice to be moved to the indoor facility, it was an overall great day for Temple.
Â
The play of the day came from WR Amad Anderson Jr., who made a one-handed catch in the corner of the endzone during the scrimmage.
Tuesday, March 28
Temple enters the second half of spring practice, with just under two weeks until the Cherry and White spring game on Saturday, April 8th. WR Amad Anderson Jr. and LB D.J. Woodbury are expected to contribute on each side of the ball this season. Anderson is Temple's most productive receiver returning from a year ago, recording 38 catches for 479 yards. Woodbury played in 10 games for the Owls in 2022, and is expected to see more time at linebacker this season.
The plays of the day came from Anderson and TE David Martin-Robinson, who recorded a pair of 55-yard touchdown catches in the 11-on-11 drills.
Thursday, March 30
Thursday's practice marked the second spring scrimmage for Temple, which allows the players and staff to practice their in-game scenarios. After the offense got the better of the defense last Saturday, the defense showed up today, making key plays every chance they had. They forced a handful of takeaways, while making important stops on third down multiple times. A large part of the defense's success this year hinders on the play of Coach Dominique Bowman's cornerback room. Led by single-digit, Jalen McMurray, the corners are one of the deepest groups on the team.
The play of the day was QB Quincy Patterson finding WR Shekuna Kamara on seam route for a 55-yard touchdown in the 7-on-7 drills.
Saturday, April 1
Saturday's practice featured a visit from legendary coach, Dick Vermeil, who won the Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams in 1999 in a season known as "The Greatest Show on Turf." Vermeil coached Temple QB E.J. Warner's father, Kurt, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022. Vermeil addressed the team with Coach Drayton after practice.
The 2023 running back room features a familiar face making his return to Temple. Coach Tyree Foreman, who coached at Temple from 2007-14, took over as the running backs coach this spring. The Owls return their leading rusher from a year ago, Edward Saydee, as well as bringing in FIU transfer E.J. Wilson. The rest of the room includes Darvon Hubbard, Qwentin Rose, and freshman Kyle Williams.
The play of the day was made by SAF Wesley Fry made a drive-ending interception during the team end-of-half drill.
Tuesday, April 4
The Owls passing attack, coached by Danny Langsdorf, ranked 30th in the country last season, thanks in large part to QB E.J. Warner. Warner returns following a stellar freshman campaign, setting the single-game passing record for yards (527) and completions (45), while throwing for a career-high five touchdowns against East Carolina in the season finale. He became the first quarterback in school history to throw for over 500 yards in a game, the first to post two 400-yard games in a season, and the first to post three 300-yard games in one season. At the end of his first season, Warner owned many Temple single-season records. His 3,028 passing yards are the most by a freshman in Temple history, and it ranks second to P.J. Walker's 2016 total of 3,295 for most by any quarterback. Warner is in sole possession of first place on the all-time single-season completions record with 278. He also was the only quarterback in the FBS to throw for over 450 yards in a game multiple times in 2022. Warner became the first Temple player to win AAC Rookie of the Year since its inception in 2013 (Tyler Matakevich won the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2012). In addition to Warner, the quarterback room features veteran Quincy Patterson and freshman Tyler Douglas.
The play of the day was made by WR Amad Anderson, who hauled in a 30-yard contested catch thrown by Warner.
Thursday, April 6
The special teams units, headed by Coach Adam Scheier, will look a little different this year. It features a new punter in Australian freshman Dante Atton, as well as a new kicker in Chris Van Eekeren, a transfer from Purdue, to pair with the incumbent Camden Price. Price had a good season as the primary place kicker, knocking in 13-14 field goals, with his longest coming from 49 yards. Van Eekeren was primarily a kickoff specialist at Purdue, a role that he will look to continue at Temple. Andrew McIlquham returns as the primary long snapper, while Wagner transfer Brylan Noonan will provide competition in the room.
The play of the day was made by LB London Hall, who made an incredible interception while turning his body around to make a play on the ball.
Friday, April 7
The 2023 defense will be coached by new defensive coordinator, and previous chief of staff, Everett Withers. Withers brings over 30 years of coaching experience, including multiple stops as a Power 5 defensive coordinator. The defense returns its top three leading tacklers from a season ago (Jordan Magee, Yvandy Rigby, Alex Odom), as well as its top producer in sacks and TFLs, Layton Jordan.Â
The play of the day was made by QB E.J. Warner and WR D'Wan Mathis, who beat his defender for a 65-yard touchdown in the 7-on-7 drill.
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