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Temple ramps up football recruiting

With national signing day a little less than two months away, Temple hopes to finish strong on the football recruiting trail.

With national signing day a little less than two months away, Temple hopes to finish strong on the football recruiting trail.

Members of the Class of 2015 can officially announce their college choice on Feb. 4. The Owls, who improved from two wins in 2013 to six this season, have about 18 oral commitments, and overall the class is shaping up nicely.

"This team will get better by mixing in the 15 players we redshirted and by the others that we'll recruit," said coach Matt Rhule, who is not allowed to specifically comment on recruits. "We had a nice season, but we're not satisfied. We want to develop a program by developing the players here. But recruiting some playmakers is crucial."

According to Rivals.com, Temple's 2015 class ranks 75th in the nation. Cincinnati (67th) is the only American Athletic Conference school ahead of the Temple in the Rivals rankings.

Temple's top oral commitment so far is from Timber Creek defensive back Kareem Ali Jr. (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) a three-star recruit who is the son of a former Temple player. Ali had committed to Maryland but switched to Temple in July.

The Owls' defense, much improved in 2014, does not need as much immediate help as the offense, which is lacking in playmakers.

The Owls are looking for help at wide receiver. Rhule hopes two players who redshirted this season - Ventell Bryant and Matt Eaton - can help fill the void left by the departure of leading receiver Jalen Fitzpatrick.

One receiver who has committed, Delvon Randall, caught 10 touchdown passes and averaged more than 21 yards per catch last season at East Coast Prep in Great Barrington, Mass. At 6-foot and 200-pounds, Randall has good size, good hands and can block. Another committed player, Harrisburg's Amechie Walker, is the 28th ranked receiver in the state by Rivals.

Two running backs who have committed could help the Owls offense. Millville's Ryquell Armstead (6-0, 185) gained 1,488 yards and scored 18 touchdowns as a senior. Lakewood three-star recruit Chapelle Cook could jump right into the mix with returning halfback Zaire Williams, who missed the season with a back injury.