Star cornerback Chandler moving to safety for Temple
NEWPORT, R.I. - It is not a surprising decision, but it is one that will have a big impact on Temple's defense. In the spring, Temple football coach Matt Rhule suggested that junior Sean Chandler could be moving from cornerback to safety.
NEWPORT, R.I. - It is not a surprising decision, but it is one that will have a big impact on Temple's defense. In the spring, Temple football coach Matt Rhule suggested that junior Sean Chandler could be moving from cornerback to safety.
On Monday, Rhule confirmed that Chandler, a standout at Camden High, is indeed moving to safety.
The reason for the move is so Chandler's ball hawking skills can be displayed over the entire field instead of just one area while playing cornerback.
"We just feel that this suits his skills better, even though he played great at corner," Rhule said. "It's just that we feel he can make even more plays at safety."
Last season Chandler had a team-high four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. He led all Temple defensive backs with 65 tackles.
Big addition
Temple quarterback Phillip (formerly P.J.) Walker says he's excited about a new addition, tight end Jake O'Donnell, who joined the team this season as a graduate student after playing at the University of Miami.
The 6-foot-6, 255-pound O'Donnell is a graduate of Central Bucks East. He saw limited duty during his career at Miami.
"He has been working with us this summer in seven-on-seven and he is 6-6 and the dude can move," Walker said. "I am looking forward to it."
The Owls also lost a tight end as Kip Patton transferred to Tennessee Tech, where he has been reunited with former Temple offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield, the new head coach.
Impressive newcomer
Rhule said among the more impressive newcomers has been Isaiah Wright, a 6-2, 207-pound receiver from West Hartford, Conn.
"I have been unbelievably impressed with Isaiah Wright since he has been here," Rhule said. "His maturity and work ethic have been great."
Rhule said fellow freshman receivers Randall Jones and Freddie Johnson, two high school recruits from Florida, have been impressive as well.
"This is one of the best freshman classes we have had here," Rhule said. "We are going to give them a chance to compete and if not, hopefully we will be able to get them ready for next year."