Temple University Athletics
2026 Football Roster
Roster
Zyil Powell
- Position:
- Safety
- Height:
- 6-1
- Weight:
- 195
- Class:
- Redshirt Junior
- Hometown:
- Jersey City, N.J.
- High School:
- Paramus Catholic
2026 (Redshirt Junior, Temple): Will compete at the viper/safety position.
2025 (Redshirt Sophomore, Temple): Added depth at safety ... appeared in every game during the season ... is one of the core special teams players serving on the punt, kickoff, punt return, and kickoff return units ... named special teams player of the game in win against UMass and Tulsa ... made his first career start at Army ... lettered.
2024 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in first four games to start the season ... named academic player of week (Utah State) ... lettered.
2023 (Freshman): Was part of the 2023 recruiting class ... saw first career game action while recording first career tackle vs. Norfolk State ... earned special teams scout team player of the week (USF, Memphis) ... redshirted.
High School: Played quarterback, wide receiver, and safety at Paramus Catholic High for head coach Greg Russo … lettered three years … had over 1,000 scrimmage yards his freshman season and eight touchdowns … earned second team all-conference defensive back as a junior … also lettered twice in track and field.
Personal: Born Zyil Christopher Powell in Jersey City, N.J. ... mother, Brittany Sisay and grandfather, Thomas Cheatham served in the military ... has done community service with his church and his school, interested in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America ... list of favorites include: Juice (movie), Rick and Morty (TV show), Rap (music), Rich Dad, Poor Dad (book), Dallas Cowboys (sports team), CeeDee Lamb (athlete) ... plans to major in finance.
