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Folks and Alwan successfully sharing Temple MLB spot

They share a name, a position, and an ability to inhale ballcarriers. But most of all, Temple middle linebackers Jarred Alwan and Jared Folks own a strong relationship that hasn't been fractured by competition.

They share a name, a position, and an ability to inhale ballcarriers. But most of all, Temple middle linebackers Jarred Alwan and Jared Folks own a strong relationship that hasn't been fractured by competition.

Alwan entered the year as Temple's most experienced linebacker with 18 career starts, including 13 last season, when the Owls tied a single-season school record for wins during a 10-4 season.

This season, Alwan, a 5-foot-11, 229-pound senior from Camden Catholic High School, started the first three games. But after a 34-27 loss at Penn State, he was replaced in the starting lineup by Folks, a redshirt sophomore from Susquehanna Township High in Harrisburg.

They have been sharing the position, and Alwan had one of his best games of the year in the Owls' 46-30 win over preseason East Division favorite South Florida on Friday.

While Alwan did have 11/2 tackles for loss, it was his knowledge and guidance to his teammates that stood out, especially against a USF team that lined up in several different formations.

"I think Jarred [Alwan] kind of waited his turn, and he kept trying to get better and got out there [Friday], and you saw flashes of greatness at times," Temple coach Matt Rhule said. "There were some big-time plays, two guys blocking him, and he ran through and made the tackle."

Alwan also proved to be a settling force against a USF team that entered the game averaging 44.1 points.

"His maturity and experience really benefited us," Rhule said. "They were going really fast and might have given us eight different offenses in that game."

Alwan was familiar with USF after starting against the Bulls last year and making four tackles.

"You kind of needed a vet out there to line up, and he answered the call," Rhule said. "He was lining guys up, and he made a ton of plays."

Alwan said it was his best game of the season.

"Everybody was rattled, and when I came in the game I feel I helped calm everybody down," Alwan said.

Both players should see sufficient action when Temple (5-3 overall, 3-1 American Athletic Conference) hosts Cincinnati (4-3, 1-3) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

For the season, Folks has 28 tackles and 11/2 tackles for losses. Alwan has contributed 19 tackles and 11/2 tackles for losses.

Losing his starting spot hasn't been easy for Alwan. Yet he is still seeing substantial playing time and has made the most of the situation.

"I wouldn't say it is hard," he said of his reduced role. "I would say in the long run it is better for me. It keeps my energy the whole game, keeps my legs, and I am healthier than I have been."

His impact on Folks' development has also been vital to Temple's success. This is the first year Folks has seen action. He redshirted as a freshman and missed last season following shoulder surgery.

There might not be a bigger fan of Folks than Alwan.

"He is going to be a great player," Alwan said of Folks. "Me helping him is like another coach out there."

What has been equally impressive is how tight the two middle linebackers have been while competing for playing time.

"He is always helping me, and he wasn't a bad sport about it," Folks said about Alwan. "Before [the move was made] we were close like brothers. So it is a great relationship, and he wants me to be the best I can be."

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard