Temple's Ahmed has NFL in his plans

Temple offensive lineman Shahbaz Ahmed hopes to sign a professional football contract. A graduate of Paul VI High School, Ahmed can only hope to have as much success signing a football contract as he did with the one he inked with his mother, Tonya.

Before entering Temple, Ahmed, who was a two-year starter playing both guard and tackle, signed a pact with his mom that he would earn his degree.

There was no timetable for when it would be earned, but Ahmed didn't waste any time. He graduated in December, in 31/2 years, with a degree in political science and a minor in English.

Oh, and he also earned a 3.4 GPA.

And, after earning his degree, Ahmed suggested to his mother that this was only the beginning.

"I said, 'Mom, I can do better than this. I can get my masters, my doctorate, whatever I put my mind to.' "

Don't bet against it.

While he has been working out this offseason, preparing for events such as last Wednesday's pro day at Temple, Ahmed has also been working.

He was hired by Temple as an academic mentor to tutor students. The degree is already working for him professionally.

Most of all, he is a symbol of what is right about college athletics. While many student athletes don't take full advantage of their scholarship and earn a degree, Ahmed got everything out of his college experience, both football-wise and academically. From a football standpoint he was a major contributor on a 10-4 team last season that tied a school record for wins.

"It is such a great opportunity to get a full scholarship and have everything paid for, your education, you books," he said. "Now I am out in the real work and you understand you have to keep going after it."

Ahmed began his career as a defensive lineman before shifting to the offensive line, where he became a starter as a junior. Since he hasn't played the offensive line that long, his better days could clearly be ahead.

"You move guys and say this is your best chance to play in the pros, and he has proven it," Temple coach Matt Rhule said about Ahmed. "What I tell everybody is [Ahmed] will get an opportunity somewhere. I don't know how it will come, but he will get better and better as he gets more time to grow and get strong."

Rhule says that Ahmed symbolizes what Temple football is all about.

"To move a kid who was 255 pounds and ask him to play the offensive line, what an unbelievable kid," Rhule said. "That is why he is such a great student, a great person, and he is going to be so successful in his life."

Ahmed was hoping to get his weight above 300 pounds, and was measured at 6-foot-3 and 303 pounds. On Wednesday, he did 26 reps of bench pressing 225 pounds. Ahmed also ran a 5.31-second 40-yard dash, broad- jumped 8-9 and had a 25-inch vertical jump.

He is realistic about his chances, hoping to sign with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent.

"As long as I can get invited to a camp, that would be great," he said. "I transitioned from defensive line to offensive line in less than two years, and I think I can continue to improve."

All he wants is a chance. Temple gave him an opportunity, and he made the most of it, both football-wise and academically. It's a lesson from which any high school recruit can learn.

Clearly, recruits would be better off going the route of Ahmed. It would even be advised to sign the type of contract he did, one for which he kept his promise about finishing what he started on the educational front.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard