Temple's Sharga to focus on fullback

One of the feel-good stories last season for Temple's football team was Nick Sharga, who transferred from Division II West Virginia Wesleyan. After redshirting in 2014, he ended up being so valuable that he played on both sides of the ball for last season's 10-4 team.

Sharga appeared in all 14 games, with four starts. He played at linebacker and fullback. Sharga recorded 15 tackles. On offense the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Sharga had one main job: clear the path for Temple tailbacks.

This spring, coach Matt Rhule has decided to leave Sharga on offense but says he could see time on defense during the fall. The reason for the single spring duty is that Rhule feels Sharga has endless potential at fullback.

"Every day we leave him there at fullback, the subtle nuances of playing the position are getting more and more natural to him," Rhule said after Tuesday's practice, the fifth of the spring. "He will be a big part of our offense, as will Rob."

Rhule was referring to Rob Ritrovato, a 6-0, 228-pound redshirt sophomore from West Chester East High School who is nicknamed "Nitro."

Sharga, who attended Northampton (Pa.) High, is more than willing to focus solely on one position this spring.

"It is good for me mentally to learn the offense better," he said. "Last year was more simple, and now I am broadening my role better."

That means he could even get a carry or two and emerge as an option in the passing game.

"He is starting to catch the football, and that is really exciting for us," said quarterback P.J. Walker, who is entering his fourth season as the starter. "It can be dangerous if he gets the ball in his hands because I think he can be a hard guy to tackle."

Rhule couldn't emphasize enough how much he thinks of Sharga as a football player and a person. Most of all, Rhule feels that fullback suits Sharga well.

"He has a long future of playing fullback ahead of him," Rhule said. "He is a special player for us, and I am excited about him."

Rhule began his press conference by paying tribute to Peter Chodoff, who died on Monday at the age of 91. Temple's practice football field is named after Chodoff, who was a huge supporter of Temple athletics. "Amongst all the great people who have been around to help athletics, Dr. Chodoff was probably none greater," Rhule said. . . . Two Former Eagles, receiver Harold Carmichael and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, were guests at practice. Shurmur is a current Minnesota Vikings assistant. . . . Brodrick Yancy, a redshirt sophomore, has moved from wide receiver to safety, according to Rhule.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard