2024 Training Camp Blog

Photo by: Paige Wisehaupt

2024 Training Camp Blog

8.20.24 | Football

PHILADELPHIA - With the 2024 Temple Football season just one month away from kicking off, the Owls returned to Edberg-Olson Hall on Monday, July 29, with the first practice of fall camp taking place Tuesday, July 30.

Following a disappointing campaign in 2023, Temple is eager to turn things around on the field this season. Entering his third season as head coach, Stan Drayton and his staff have utilized recruiting as well as the transfer portal to build much stronger depth throughout the roster compared to last year.

This space will serve as a practice blog throughout fall camp, with daily updates. Additionally, player and coach media availability will be listed below.

Tuesday, July 30
With newly installed turf on Chodoff Field, the Owls began preseason training camp today. Graduate wide receiver Dante Wright was the first player to take the field, debuting shiny new practice jerseys that the team will wear this year.

Quarterbacks Forrest Brock and Evan Simon split first team reps throughout the day, which is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. Both made strong throws during seven-on-seven drills, as Brock connected with senior transfer Antonio Jones on a 12-yard leaping grab. Shortly after, Simon found redshirt junior John Adams on a 57-yard deep ball, in what was the play of the day.

The defense had its highlights as well, two of which came in the closing moments of practice. Safety Ihsim Smith-Marsette was able to recover a fumbled snap, and defensive end Brandon Enarusai intercepted a ball that was tipped at the line of scrimmage by freshman Sultan Badmus.

Wednesday, July 31
The Owls returned for day two of training camp practices on Wednesday. It was a practice that featured highlights from both sides of the ball, with both the offense and defense exhibiting a clear advantage at different points in time - sometimes on the same play.

This was displayed from the jump in wide receiver/cornerback 1-on-1 drills, as junior Zae Baines made a leaping sideline grab. However, cornerback Darrell Sweeting made it tough for Baines, and both players were applauded by their respective coaches after the play.

Defensive tackle Allan Haye took control in the offensive and defensive lines' 1-on-1 drills. The redshirt junior is ready to make an impact for the Owls' defense after suffering a season-ending injury in week five of last season. On the offensive line, Melvin Siani showed strength during his series of reps.

At the same time on the other end of the practice field, seven-on-seven drills were taking place. Just like the day before, Forrest Brock found John Adams for a big play yet again, this time with Adams taking it all the way for a 77-yard touchdown. Other significant plays during seven-on-sevens included an interception from graduate cornerback Elijah Deravil and a 25-yard fingertip catch by tight end Reese Clark, thrown by redshirt freshman Tyler Douglas.

During team sessions, the offense was able to string together a collection of noteworthy plays, including multiple positive runs from sophomore Joquez Smith, as well as a 25-yard run by junior transfer Terrez Worthy. The defense had its impressive moments as well, highlighted by a Diwun Black interception that would have been returned for a touchdown in a live-game scenario.

Thursday, August 1
The shoulder pads were on today for the first time this preseason, and with that brought a heightened intensity throughout practice. Just before practice got underway, head coach Stan Drayton emphasized the importance of physicality, and that's exactly what the Owls brought today.

In the first team drills of the day, defensive end Tra Thomas made a series of great plays. The redshirt junior first broke into the backfield for a five-yard tackle for loss. The very next play he did the same thing, this time resulting in a sack. Moments later, cornerback Elijah Deravil jumped a screen pass and returned the interception for a touchdown.

The offense would start to find its rhythm later on in practice, beginning with Chris Dietrich finding fellow freshman Jamar Taylor Jr. for a 37-yard score. Two 50-yard touchdowns would occur shortly after, with the first featuring Forrest Brock hitting wide receiver Zae Baines, who then turned upfield and went all the way to the endzone. Redshirt freshman Preston Everhart was on the receiving end of the second touchdown, catching a swing pass and racing down the field.

Temple's defense also made plays in the final two periods of practice. Transfer cornerback Jaylen Lewis put together a solid string of plays, including a deflection and shutting down a screen pass. Additionally, graduate defensive end Diwun Black showed off his hands with an impressive interception in the flat.

The team will have the day off from practice tomorrow and will resume on Saturday.

Saturday, August 3
Saturday was a special day for Temple University, as alumni and play-by-play radio voice of the Philadelphia Eagles, Merrill Reese, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The day's practice also brought a buzz to Edberg-Olson Hall, as 2024 season ticket holders were invited to take in practice.

In 1-on-1 drills, cornerback Jamel Johnson broke up an almost certain touchdown in the corner of the endzone that had the defense fired up from the start. The cornerbacks continued to impress throughout 1-on-1s, making it difficult for the offense.

The quarterbacks were able to show off their wheels throughout team drills, starting with Evan Simon taking an option play upfield for a 20-yard run. Tyler Douglas ran for two noteworthy gains, including a 12-yard touchdown during the first redzone drills of training camp. Finally, Forrest Brock was also able to score on the run during the same period.

As has been the case throughout the first week of practices, the defense was able to generate a few big plays again. Senior linebacker D.J. Woodbury recorded a sack, and transfer safety Andreas Keaton intercepted a tipped pass and took it the other way for a touchdown.

The offense responded, however, especially during redzone periods. Wide receiver Dante Wright hauled in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Forrest Brock, and running backs Terrez Worthy and Darius Morant both ran for 12-yard gains. The play that had Temple fans cheering the most came from wide receiver Jamar Taylor Jr., who stretched for a touchdown pass in the back of the endzone thrown by Forrest Brock.

Sunday, August 4
The Owls were greeted with overcast skies and a light rain when they took the practice field on Sunday. The weather brought a heightened energy throughout the team that was noticeable.

In 7-on-7 red zone drills, quarterback Forrest Brock found sophomore tight end Peter Clarke for a 15-yard touchdown, and running back Terrez Worthy took a swing pass into the endzone as well. The defense picked up two interceptions in these drills, the first by cornerback Jaylen Lewis. This was followed by another at the goal line from redshirt sophomore linebacker Antwone Santiago.

In team drills, the offense was able to get one back in the form of a 47-yard deep ball from quarterback Tyler Douglas to wide receiver Zae Baines. Additionally, Evan Simon completed an outside shoulder bullet pass to Antonio Jones, showcasing both impressive accuracy and catching ability.

After this, the defense took control of practice. The impressive day featured both sophomore cornerback Jamel Johnson and redshirt junior linebacker Tyquan King breaking up passes that were almost certain to be completions. Safety Ihsim Smith-Marsette then recorded an interception, and Jaylen Lewis forced an incompletion with a big hit on the receiver. The play of the day came from true freshman safety Jack Paessler, who jumped a route over the middle of the field and returned it for a long gain.

Monday, August 5
Monday marked the first practice in full pads for the 2024 Owls. The team got right to work on what was a hot August morning.

The first live tackling action of the preseason took place during inside run, a drill designed to work on the run game. Highlights included an impressive run from senior running back E.J. Wilson, who broke multiple tackles for a 10-yard touchdown, as well as an open field tackle from junior linebacker Eric Stuart.

The offense showed out during 7-on-7 drills, with quarterback Forrest Brock throwing a pair of completed deep balls, the first to wide receiver Dante Wright, who went all the way for a score. The second featured wide receiver Zae Baines getting behind the defense and making a 58-yard reception.

Transfer kicker Maddux Trujillo also had an impressive day of practice. The senior converted 48, 52, and 54-yard field goals during field goal work.

During team drills, wide receiver Ashton Allen hauled in a toe-tapping 15-yard pass on the sideline. Allen comes to Temple after spending four seasons as a sprinter on the University of Southern California's track and field team. After flipping the field for redzone work, quarterback Evan Simon connected with tight end Landon Morris for a 25-yard touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive end Sultan Badmus recorded a sack, and a big hit from cornerback Jamel Johnson forced an incompletion.

During the final period of practice, Forrest Brock threw a perfectly placed endzone fade route to wide receiver John Adams, who was able to haul in the catch. The offense used this momentum to find another touchdown pass shortly after, this time coming from quarterback Evan Simon and graduate tight end James Della Pesca.

Tomorrow will be an off day for the team, with practices set to resume Wednesday.

Wednesday, August 7
Temple returned to practice Wednesday with rainy conditions in the area, which are expected to continue for the remainder of the week.

There was a strong emphasis on special teams today, including a competition period halfway through practice. Cornerback Jamel Johnson wasted no time making an impact, swiftly falling on a mishandled return during punt drills.

In 1-on-1 drills, wide receiver Jamar Taylor Jr. caught a contested 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Evan Simon. Additionally, transfer cornerback DeVonta Owens notched an impressive pass break-up.

During drills designed to work on the run game, the defensive line stood out. Defensive tackles Sekou Kromah and Latrell Jean both had tackles for a loss, and defensive end Tra Thomas cut through blockers to deny any gain on an end around play.

The offense still showed flashes throughout practice, including a strong catch and run for 25-yards from graduate wide receiver Ian Stewart. Later on, quarterback Tyler Douglas found freshman tight end Daniel Evert for a ten-yard touchdown pass.

The defense brought the big play mentality to the goal line period of practice. Senior cornerback Ben Osueke delivered a textbook hit on the one-yard line that forced a fumble, and linebacker Antwone Santiago forced a five-yard loss on a run play.

The Owls dedicated an extended period to simulating a full drive of football. On the first possession, the offense moved the ball down the field effortlessly. However, the defense had the edge on the second drive, forcing a three-and-out. There will certainly be more opportunities for players to impress through game-like scenarios before the Owls depart for Oklahoma in just over three weeks' time.

Thursday, August 8
During team drills, wide receiver Antonio Jones caught a pass from quarterback Evan Simon that went for 20-yards. On the defensive side of the ball, transfer linebackers Katin Surprenant and Tyler Lepolo sniffed out a screen pass, resulting in a loss on the play.

In 7-on-7 drills, cornerback Ben Osueke recorded a pass breakup by batting down a pass in the open field. After this play, however, it was all offense during the remainder of the period. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Preston Everhart showed off his hands with a nice catch for a first down, and quarterback Forrest Brock hit freshman wide receiver Bryson Goodwin for a 15-yard gain. The offense did not stop there, however, as quarterback Evan Simon connected with tight ends Daniel Evert and Landon Morris for gains of 27 and 25 yards, respectively.

During the final two periods of practice, running back E.J. Wilson made a nifty cut to pick up a 20-yard gain on the ground. The defense made impressive plays as well, including a shared sack from defensive end Jordan Montgomery and defensive tackle Sekou Kromah. The offense put together an impressive drive in the closing moments of the day, but their attempt to score was thwarted by redshirt freshman safety Zyil Powell, who recorded an interception in the endzone.

Friday, August 9
Temple took the field on Friday for the team's first scrimmage of training camp, including a full complement of game officals. The Owls wasted no time getting to work, as the majority of practice consisted of 11-on-11 drills.

The offense started the day with a drive down the field that resulted in a 42-yard field goal from kicker Maddux Trujillo. On the next drive, quarterback Forrest Brock targeted wide receiver John Adams on a deep ball that forced a pass interference on the cornerback. Other highlights from the offense include quarterback Tyler Douglas scrambling for a 20-yard keeper and Evan Simon finding tight end Landon Morris over the middle of the field for a 15-yard gain.

The defense showed out early in practice as well, with cornerback Ben Osueke hauling in an interception. Temple's pass rushers pressured the quarterbacks consistently, highlighted by defensive tackle Sekou Kromah tallying four sacks over the course of practice.

During red zone drills, transfer safety Javier Morton displayed excellent coverage in the corner of the end zone, breaking up a pass. In the trenches, defensive end Jordan Montgomery and defensive tackle Allan Haye both recorded tackles for loss. The offense was able to punch the ball into the end zone multiple times during this period, including two touchdowns from redshirt junior transfer Antwain Littleton, who scored both rushing and receiving.

The Owls will have the day off from practice tomorrow and will return on Sunday.

Sunday, August 11
After a week scattered with rain, the sunny sky above Edberg-Olson Hall was a welcome sign as Temple returned to practice today. The day also brought out two former Owls who took in practice: tight end Saledeem Major ('13-'15) and single-digit cornerback Tavon Young ('12-'15).

In 9-on-9 drills, transfer safety Louis Frye hauled in an interception. Shortly after, however, the offense struck back in a big way, with quarterback Forrest Brock hitting wide receiver Ashton Allen on a vertical route that went for a 65-yard touchdown.

During team drills, running back Terrez Worthy showed off his agility, making defenders miss en route to a 15-yard pickup on the ground. Wide receiver Dante Wright followed suit, as he took back-to-back sweep plays for 25- and 15- yard gains.

The defensive play of the day came from cornerback Elijah Deravil, who perfectly timed a screen pass for an interception that went for a touchdown. Notable offensive plays included a pass from Brock to wide receiver John Adams for 30-yards, and two redshirt freshman connecting in quarterback Patrick Keller finding wide receiver JoJo Huntley for a 25-yard gain.

On the first play of red zone drills, the offense scored on a 25-yard pass to the back of the endzone from Brock to running back Joquez Smith. When the next set of reps came around, again the offense scored quickly, only this time it was quarterback Evan Simon completing a pass to wide receiver Ian Stewart for the touchdown. The Owls also took the redzone period to get field goal reps in. Kicker Maddux Trujillo was perfect on the day, capping practice off by making a 58-yard try.

Monday, August 12
In 1-on-1 drills, both sides of the ball made impressive plays. Offensive highlights included redshirt senior wide receiver Shekuna Kamara making a sliding catch for a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Forrest Brock. Wide receiver Dante Wright went the opposite direction for his touchdown reception, as he leaped in the air and secured the catch on a ball thrown by quarterback Evan Simon. Defensively, cornerback Jaylen Lewis put together an extremely impressive rep, recording a pass breakup on a deep ball that was almost a certain completion.

During team drills, the defense brought intensity as well as physicality. This started with linebacker D.J. Woodbury recording a tackle for loss on a swing pass, followed by redshirt freshman Reggie Jones picking up a TFL of his own. The defensive plays did not stop there, as safety Andreas Keaton forced and recovered a fumble in the open field.

Every time the defense stepped up, the offense responded not long after. Dante Wright continued his impressive day of practice with a one-armed catch in the corner of the endzone for a touchdown, and Forrest Brock threw a timed swing route to running back E.J. Wilson that also went for a score. The biggest play of the day came from Brock and wide receiver Antonio Jones- a 45-yard diving reception that took place during two-minute drills.

Tuesday, August 13
The Owls continued training camp Tuesday under sunny skies and comfortable temperatures at Edberg-Olson Hall.

During 7-on-7 drills, quarterback Patrick Keller hit freshman wide receiver Tyler Stewart for a 25-yard gain. Later in the drill, cornerback Jaylen Lewis replicated his impressive rep from yesterday again, this time intercepting a deep pass.

Quarterback Evan Simon impressed during 9-on-9 drills, first finding wide receiver Antonio Jones for a leaping 30-yard grab. He followed it up by throwing a 65-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Xavier Irvin. One the defensive side, defensive end Tra Thomas recorded a sack and safety Louis Frye intercepted a ball after ripping the ball away from the receiver's arms.

In red zone drills, the Simon to Irvin connection struck again, this time for a 20-yard score. The offense punched the ball in multiple times, including a great cut from running back E.J. Wilson for a 5-yard touchdown.

When the tables were turned and the offense was backed up by their own goal line, it was the defense's turn to make plays. The first came in the form of a safety that a swarm of Owls contributed to. Additionally, redshirt sophomore defensive tackle K.J. Miles recovered a fumble in the endzone for a defensive touchdown.

The team has an off day from practice tomorrow and will return on Thursday morning.

Thursday, August 15
Temple returned to Chodoff Field on Thursday morning with a lighter practice in preparation for the team's second scrimmage, scheduled for Friday evening.

In the first team period of the day, the offense strung together a few noteworthy plays. These included a 13-yard run from running back Terrez Worthy, an 11-yard quarterback keeper from Evan Simon, and a 10-yard leaping catch from tight end Reese Clark. On the defensive side, defensive lineman Sultan Badmus got home for a sack. The play of the day also occurred in this period: a 50-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Bryson Goodwin, perfectly placed between two defenders by quarterback Tyler Douglas.

In 9-on-9 drills, wide receiver Ian Stewart showed off his hands with a diving one-handed grab for a short gain. Later on, quarterback Forrest Brock connected with wide receiver Dante Wright on a 30-yard crossing route. Safety Jack Paessler forced an incompletion with a big hit over the middle of the field, and the defense as a whole was able to limit the offense for the remainder of the period. The defensive dominance continued in the final drill of practice, a two-minute game scenario, where the defense prevented the offense from gaining a single first down during three drives.

Friday, August 16
Temple used the second scrimmage of the preseason to simulate a game day, traveling to the University of Pennsylvania and Franklin Field for an evening practice.

The offense came out firing on all cylinders, as the first four drives of the day all resulted in touchdowns. The first big play featured a 35-yard catch by tight end James Della Pesca from quarterback Forrest Brock, who capped off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Evan Simon then led a touchdown drive himself, with tight end Peter Clarke hauling in the 15-yard reception for a score. The play of the day was the third touchdown of practice, as running back Terrez Worthy bounced an outside zone run to the sideline and didn't look back, going 65-yards for a touchdown. To cap off the first scrimmage period of practice, quarterback Tyler Douglas found Zae Baines for a 35-yard leaping touchdown.

Although the offense got off to a quick start, the defense settled in and left their mark on practice. This started with a quick three-and-out, followed by another stop that featured an impressive pass break-up from the tandem of Jaylen Lewis and Tyquan King. Later on, Andreas Keaton showed off his physicality, laying a large hit on wide receiver Ian Stewart, who somehow held on to the ball for an 8-yard reception on first down.

In third-down drills, linebacker Eric Stuart jumped a passing route and snagged an interception, returning it the other way for a pick-six. Other highlights included a K.J. Miles sack, and a 40-yard keeper by quarterback Patrick Keller.

The Owls will have the day off from practice tomorrow and will return on Sunday.

Sunday, August 18
Sunday's practice marked the start of the final week of training camp for the Owls, with the Week 1 matchup against Oklahoma just 12 days away.

In 7-on-7 drills, wide receiver Ashton Allen used his speed to beat his man down the field and caught a well-thrown pass from quarterback Forrest Brock. Brock then found redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cole Sprague for a 15-yard gain. Quarterback Evan Simon also had a productive 7-on-7 period, first hitting wide receiver Ian Stewart for 12-yards, then placing a perfect outside shoulder throw in the only spot it could be caught for wide receiver Bryson Goodwin.

In 2-minute drills, the offense struck quickly as Brock connected with tight end Landon Morris on a seam route for a 40-yard touchdown. On the next drive, transfer defensive end Cam'Ron Stewart combined with defensive tackle Allan Haye for a sack, but it wasn't enough to stop the offense. Simon completed a 30-yard pass to wide receiver Xavier Irvin that moved the ball to the redzone. On the very next play, Simon found Irvin again, this time for a touchdown.

Monday, August 19
In one-on-one drills, the Owls' defensive backs made multiple big plays. After safety Javier Morton broke up a pass attempt, cornerbacks Darrell Sweeting and Jaylen Lewis both recorded interceptions. Although the defense made impact plays, it was the offense that won the drill. They converted the majority of passes, including a 40-yard touchdown connection between quarterback Tyler Douglas and transfer wide receiver Kajiya Hollawayne.

Quarterback Forrest Brock and wide receiver John Adams started 9-on-9 drills with a diving reception that gained 35-yards. Another large gain occurred shortly after with quarterback Evan Simon finding Hollawayne over the middle of the field for 40-yards. Defensively, freshman linebacker Tyree Alualu recorded a pass break-up.

During team drills, redshirt freshman defensive tackle Hugo Gil dove on and recovered a fumbled handoff. Despite the early miscue, the offense quickly found its rhythm. The highlights included a 57-yard touchdown pass from Douglas to wide receiver Zae Baines. Baines continued his impressive practice with another long touchdown later on, although this time on a throw from quarterback Chris Dietrich.

Tuesday, August 20
Tuesday morning's practice brought the first feeling of football weather this training camp, with temperatures in the low 60s throughout practice.

During inside run drills, the defense looked strong. Linebacker Eric Stuart shed his blocker and recorded a tackle for loss. On the next play, defensive tackle Latrell Jean gave the running back no chance, meeting him in the backfield right away.

In 9-on-9 drills, quarterback Evan Simon connected with wide receiver Kajiya Hollowayne for the second day in a row, this time for a 25-yard touchdown. Later on, quarterback Forrest Brock found wide receiver Dante Wright in the back of the endzone for a 15-yard score.

The majority of practice was spent in team drills, with several impact plays taking place. Running back Antwain Littleton showed off his power by stiff-arming a defender for a 20-yard gain. Quarterback Patrick Keller then completed a pass to wide receiver Tyler Stewart that picked up 25-yards. Defensively, cornerback Elijah Deravil did not bite on an enticing double move, stuck with the receiver, and forced an incompletion.

During team tempo drills, tight end Peter Clarke set an incredible block on the outside that allowed Simon to sneak out of the pocket and gain 15 yards on the ground. Clarke then showed off his pass-catching skills, catching a 30-yard pass over the middle of the field from Brock. The defensive play of the day came from defensive end Tra Thomas, who forced a fumble that was recovered by cornerback Jamel Johnson.

The Owls will hold a walk-through tomorrow and have a padded practice scheduled for Thursday. Thursday will be the final camp practice, with Week 1 practices beginning early next week.

Thursday, August 22
Thursday marked the final practice of training camp, with the Owls turning their attention to Oklahoma where they open the season in just one week's time.

In 7-on-7 drills, the offense found its rhythm. After finding running back E.J. Wilson underneath for a 25-yard gain, quarterback Forrest Brock aired it out to tight end Landon Morris for a 77-yard touchdown. The defense made plays also, as they showcased active hands throughout practice. Newly named single-digit Andreas Keaton batted down a pass, followed by linebacker Eric Stuart and safety Zyil Powell combining for a pass break-up. Running back Antwain Littleton made the most athletic play of the day, stretching out along the sideline and bringing the ball back into the playing surface, all while keeping a foot inbounds.

During team drills, the defense impressed. Defensive end Cam'Ron Stewart deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage that he nearly picked off. New single-digit D.J. Woodbury added a pass break-up, and linebacker Tyquan King did not bite on an option play, forcing a loss on the play.

Although the defense stood strong most of the day, the offense got their revenge in two-minute drills. Quarterback Evan Simon completed a pass to wide receiver Xavier Irvin, and Irvin did the rest of the work using his speed to get all the way to the endzone for a score.

With that, this concludes the 2024 training camp blog. The Owls will hold a game day walkthrough Friday, then turn the page to game week preparations ahead of the August 30 matchup at Oklahoma.

Date	Availability
July 30	Stan Drayton (video)
August 1	Everett Withers (video), Danny Langsdorf (video), Adam Scheier (video)
August 5	Stan Drayton (video), Kevon Beckwith (video), Larry Knight (video), Chris Wiesehan (video)
August 7	Andrew McIlquham (video), Demerick Morris (video), Dante Wright (video)
August 9	Forrest Brock (video), Evan Simon (video), Tyler Douglas (video)
August 12	Stan Drayton (video), Tyron Carrier (video), Tyree Foreman (video)
August 13	Ashton Allen (video), Torey Richardson (video), Maddux Trujillo (video)
August 16	Stan Drayton (video), Andreas Keaton (video), Tra Thomas (video), D.J. Woodbury (video), Allan Haye (video), John Adams (video), James Della Pesca (video), Grayson Mains (video), Antwain Littleton (video)
August 21	Stan Drayton (video), Dominique Bowman (video), Chris Woods (video)
August 22	Latrell Jean (video), Antonio Jones (video), Javier Morton (video), Ian Stewart (video)