Taking stock of the 2017 Temple football team
New Temple football coach Geoff Collins inherits a veteran team, but it is one that has holes to fill before the 2017 season.
New Temple football coach Geoff Collins inherits a veteran team, but it is one that has holes to fill before the 2017 season.
Here is a look at how things stand, position by position.
Quarterback: Phillip Walker was a four-year starter who set several school records, including most wins (28) by a quarterback. Redshirt freshman Logan Marchi and sophomore Frank Nutile were the backups, and they will contend for the job. Watch freshman Anthony Russo from Archbishop Wood High School, who redshirted his first year. All three have promise, but replacing the toughness, leadership, and production of Walker will be difficult.
Running back: Sophomore Ryquell Armstead will enter as the No. 1 rusher after the graduation of Jahad Thomas. Armstead rushed for 919 yards, averaging 5.9 per carry, and 14 touchdowns. Freshman Isaiah Wright has the potential to be explosive and saw action as a receiver, wildcat quarterback, and kick returner. He should have an expanded role. Sophomore Jager Gardner was hurt early and got only 29 carries.
Receiver: The Owls retained receivers coach Frisman Jackson, and he will welcome back a veteran unit. Redshirt sophomore Ventell Bryant missed three games to injury but still finished with 54 receptions for 895 yards and four touchdowns. Also returning are redshirt junior Keith Kirkwood (42 receptions, 648 yards and four TDs) and junior Adonis Jennings, who had seven receptions for 154 yards and two touchdowns in the bowl loss to Wake Forest.
Tight end: This is a rebuilding position, as Colin Thompson and Romond Deloatch graduate. Several candidates, including freshman Kenny Yeboah, will be vying for playing time.
Offensive line: Left tackle Dion Dawkins, who will play in the NFL, and center Brendan McGowan were the cornerstones and will be missed. Redshirt juniors Leon Johnson and Adrian Sullivan were starters all year at right tackle and right guard, respectively. Redshirt freshman Jovahn Fair was the starter at left guard. The coaching staff is high on freshman Matt Hennessy (6-feet-4, 285), who can play any position on the line.
Defensive line: Replacing defensive ends Haason Reddick and Praise Martin-Oguike will be difficult. They accounted for 18 sacks. Junior Jacob Martin, who missed the Military Bowl game with an injury, can play inside or outside and should have a big role. Nose tackle Averee Robinson, who had a team-high nine tackles against Wake Forest, will also be difficult to replace. Redshirt sophomores Michael Dogbe and Freddie Booth-Lloyd both saw substantial playing time and should be defensive line leaders.
Linebacker: The starters - Jarred Alwan, Stephaun Marshall, and Avery Williams - all graduate. Freshman William Kwenkeu and redshirt sophomore Jared Folks are among many who will vie for starting spots.
Secondary: Junior Sean Chandler and sophomore Delvin Randall are both back at safety, One starting corner, Artrel Foster, returns, but the Owls have to replace Nate Hairston, who made great strides and was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game. Converted receiver Derrek Thomas, who played well in the bowl game, will challenge for a starting spot.
Kicker: When freshman Austin Jones suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Memphis game, freshman walk-on Aaron Boumerhi stepped in and was outstanding, connecting on 15 of 17 field goal attempts, including 4 for 4 in the bowl game. The two should compete for the job.
Punter: Junior Alex Starzyk, who averaged 38.9 yards, should keep the job.
Reasons for optimism: The Owls have put together consecutive 10-4 seasons and expect to continue a culture of winning, and they still have plenty of big-play performers who could keep Temple competitive. Collins comes in with great enthusiasm and a reputation as one of the top defensive minds in college football.
Reasons for pessimism: Breaking in a new quarterback is never easy. The schedule is tougher, with an opener at Notre Dame, and difficult games against American Athletic Conference West Division teams - Navy, Houston, and Tulsa were a combined 28-12 this season. Plus, the Owls have to play South Florida on the road, and the Bulls should be the preseason East Division favorite.
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