Temple University Athletics
Temple Football Names Eight New Single-Digits
8.21.24 | Football
PHILADELPHIA - Head coach Stan Drayton continued Temple's single-digit tradition Wednesday night, announcing eight new players that will have the honor of wearing a single-digit number on the field this season.
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The tradition began in 2009, under then-head coach Al Golden. Single-digits are awarded to Temple's toughest players both on and off the field – those who embody what it means to be Temple TUFF. These players are leaders among their teammates and show up with a championship-level mindset each and every day.
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In addition to WR Ian Stewart (#1), who earned a single-digit last season, the following players have been named single-digits:
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Three members of the 2020 recruiting class who have witnessed numerous teammates earn the distinction have earned their way into the special fraternity. Tight end James Della Pesca (#8) has become a vocal leader of a youthful offense and is positioned to take a step forward this season on the field as well. Defensive tackle Demerick Morris (#9) missed most of last year due to injury, but will play a large role on the defensive line this season. Linebacker D.J. Woodbury, Sr. (#0) has emerged as a natural leader in the linebacker room throughout the offseason. Also missing a large part of the 2023 season due to injury, Woodbury is poised to play a significant role this year.
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Cornerback Elijah Deravil (#4) transferred to Temple in 2022 and has been a key contributor to the secondary the past two seasons. Deravil has 74 tackles credited to his name with the Owls and will be a key contributor yet again for the team's new look secondary this year.
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Defensive end Tra Thomas (#3) is entering his third year with the Owls. After wearing the rotational single-digit #9 for one game last year, Thomas has now earned the honor for the 2024 season. The redshirt junior finished last season third on the team in sacks, and will play a significant role yet again this year.
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Wide receiver Dante Wright (#5) is entering his second season with Temple. Last season, Wright was tied for first in receiving touchdowns with four, and tied for third in receiving yards with 507. Wright now joins Stewart as the second single digit wide receiver on the team.
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Two players who joined the team this offseason and have yet to play a game for Temple have quickly established themselves as leaders. Safety Andreas Keaton (#2) joined the Owls this spring, but has made an immediate impact among his teammates. The senior comes from Western Carolina, where he led the team in total tackles in 2023 with 67. Defensive tackle Latrell Jean (#7) joined Temple less than two months ago and became a leader among his unit very quickly. Jean comes to the Owls from Florida Atlantic, where he was a four-year letterwinner and has 65 career tackles.
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The tradition began in 2009, under then-head coach Al Golden. Single-digits are awarded to Temple's toughest players both on and off the field – those who embody what it means to be Temple TUFF. These players are leaders among their teammates and show up with a championship-level mindset each and every day.
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In addition to WR Ian Stewart (#1), who earned a single-digit last season, the following players have been named single-digits:
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Three members of the 2020 recruiting class who have witnessed numerous teammates earn the distinction have earned their way into the special fraternity. Tight end James Della Pesca (#8) has become a vocal leader of a youthful offense and is positioned to take a step forward this season on the field as well. Defensive tackle Demerick Morris (#9) missed most of last year due to injury, but will play a large role on the defensive line this season. Linebacker D.J. Woodbury, Sr. (#0) has emerged as a natural leader in the linebacker room throughout the offseason. Also missing a large part of the 2023 season due to injury, Woodbury is poised to play a significant role this year.
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Cornerback Elijah Deravil (#4) transferred to Temple in 2022 and has been a key contributor to the secondary the past two seasons. Deravil has 74 tackles credited to his name with the Owls and will be a key contributor yet again for the team's new look secondary this year.
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Defensive end Tra Thomas (#3) is entering his third year with the Owls. After wearing the rotational single-digit #9 for one game last year, Thomas has now earned the honor for the 2024 season. The redshirt junior finished last season third on the team in sacks, and will play a significant role yet again this year.
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Wide receiver Dante Wright (#5) is entering his second season with Temple. Last season, Wright was tied for first in receiving touchdowns with four, and tied for third in receiving yards with 507. Wright now joins Stewart as the second single digit wide receiver on the team.
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Two players who joined the team this offseason and have yet to play a game for Temple have quickly established themselves as leaders. Safety Andreas Keaton (#2) joined the Owls this spring, but has made an immediate impact among his teammates. The senior comes from Western Carolina, where he led the team in total tackles in 2023 with 67. Defensive tackle Latrell Jean (#7) joined Temple less than two months ago and became a leader among his unit very quickly. Jean comes to the Owls from Florida Atlantic, where he was a four-year letterwinner and has 65 career tackles.
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Players Mentioned
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WR
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