Temple's Walker headed to Manning passing camp

In his one season as an assistant with the New York Giants, Temple head coach Matt Rhule found Eli Manning to be a "consummate professional."

The Giants quarterback never took anything for granted, Rhule said. And it's something the second-year head coach wants ingrained in Owls quarterback P.J. Walker.

Walker will get his chance to learn from Eli and the rest of the Manning family, as he accepted an invitation to the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana in July.

The sophomore will be one of about 40 college quarterbacks who will serve as counselors to more than 1,000 youth campers.

Counselors at last summer's camp included Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, A.J. McCarron, and Tajh Boyd.

"It's a very big deal," Walker said. "There's a few great players that have been there. I'm very surprised. Now it's just time to prove my ability."

Walker set Temple freshman records in passing yards (2,084) and touchdowns (20). He started the Owls' final seven games and enters this season as the clear starter.

Walker said he's working on being a leader, which will be a process.

"I'm not that much of a vocal guy," Walker said. "I'm going to have to lead by example and pull guys to the side when I need to talk to them."

Rhule said Walker looked good in Temple's first two spring practices, even when he had to battle winds on Monday. On Tuesday, Rhule noticed Walker's throwing form coming into shape.

"He's one of those guys that makes a mistake, he fixes it, and moves on to the next thing," Rhule said.