Camden Catholic LB Alwan picks Temple

Jarred Alwan likes the way Temple plays defense, funneling the football to the inside linebackers.

"Their defense fits me," said Alwan, who on Thursday made an oral commitment to attend Temple on a football scholarship.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Alwan, a senior at Camden Catholic, said he also had offers from West Virginia, Boston College, Massachusetts, Central Florida, and Duke. He is regarded as a three-star recruit by rivals.com.

Alwan said he visited Temple about two weeks ago. He canceled a trip to West Virginia when he decided to commit to the Owls.

"I like everything about Temple," said Alwan, who said he plans to major in actuarial science with an eye toward working in the insurance industry after his football career.

Alwan said he was especially pleased that Temple will rejoin the Big East Conference this season.

"That was a dream of mine, to play for a BCS school," said Alwan, referring to programs that are eligible to compete in the Bowl Championship Series.

Last season, Alwan made 86 tackles and two interceptions, returning both for touchdowns. He led Camden Catholic to a 10-1 record and a berth in the Non-Public Group 2 state title game.

As a running back, Alwan carried 79 times for 645 yards (8.1-yard average) and 12 touchdowns.

"He's got tremendous talent," said Camden Catholic coach Gil Brooks, the former longtime coach at St. Joseph's Prep. "But the thing that sets him apart is that he's such an instinctive player. He sees the game in slow-motion."