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Secondary looking good at Temple football camp

Entering training camp, Temple appeared to have some questions about its secondary. But during the early portion of practice, coach Matt Rhule seems pleased with the play of his defensive backs, especially his safeties.

Entering training camp, Temple appeared to have some questions about its secondary. But during the early portion of practice, coach Matt Rhule seems pleased with the play of his defensive backs, especially his safeties.

"The safeties are playing at a high level," Rhule said on Friday after the first of two steamy practices.

One of the big changes was moving junior Sean Chandler from cornerback to safety in an attempt to allow him to make even more big plays. Known as "Champ," Chandler made plenty of big plays at corner, with four interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, last year.

"Champ has played lights out," Rhule said. "For every period, he is playing at a high level."

The big question is who will play alongside Chandler. At this point, it's early, but Rhule stated three possibilities - sophomore Delvon Randall, redshirt sophomore Jyquis Thomas, and redshirt senior Khiry Lucas.

"Delvon Randall has played really well," Rhule said. "Delvon's problem is just consistency over time."

Thomas is coming off shoulder surgery and can't hit yet, but Rhule said he will be able to have contact in about another week.

"He has really made steps and is playing well," Rhule said.

As for Lucas, Rhule said, "He is getting more confident in the position and is playing extremely physical."

Rhule said that redshirt junior Artrel Foster is playing best among the cornerbacks. The Temple coach also cited the play of redshirt sophomore Derrick Thomas, who is converting from receiver, and redshirt freshman Kareem Ali of Timber Creek High.

Redshirt senior Nate Hairston, who appeared in all 14 games and made one start, is another candidate at corner.

Extra points

Freshman cornerback Linwood Crump, who has impressed the coaches, remains sidelined with an ankle injury. . . . Rhule said there could be 8 to 10 freshmen who could legitimately help the team. Among the freshmen he said have been impressive are tight end Branden Mack of Cheltenham High, offensive lineman Matt Hennessy, receiver Isaiah Wright, and Crump. . . . Even though the media gets to see limited practice, one thing that has stood out each time is how sharp quarterback Phillip Walker has looked. He is entering his fourth season as the starter for the Owls.

Expansion update

Earlier this month, Temple athletic director Patrick Kraft said the school was prepared to present its case to the Big 12 concerning expansion.

Apparently the Owls and 16 other schools will indeed get that chance. ESPN reported that the Big 12 will interview officials from 17 schools that have contacted the conference about being expansion candidates by video conference.

A Temple source confirmed that the Owls expect to go through the process, but they have not yet been contacted about a date when it will occur.

The source said that the Big 12 will likely expand by just two teams but that nobody knows for sure yet.

Ten of the 17 schools listed in ESPN's report were from Temple's conference, the American Athletic Conference. Only Tulsa and Navy, which only compete in football, weren't on the list.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard