Temple's Thomas, Walker enjoy one last time together
After four years together at Elizabeth (N.J.) High and four more at Temple, running back Jahad Thomas and quarterback Phillip Walker lined up as teammates for what could be the final time Wednesday.
After four years together at Elizabeth (N.J.) High and four more at Temple, running back Jahad Thomas and quarterback Phillip Walker lined up as teammates for what could be the final time Wednesday.
The two were among 14 Temple players at the school's pro day. Coming off a 10-4 season that included the American Athletic Conference championship, Temple has opened the eyes of NFL scouts. That was evident by the turnout. A source said that all 32 NFL teams were represented.
"We had a great ride, a great four years, and done a lot of great things for the university," Thomas said of his time with Walker. "It definitely is a bittersweet thing, but we knew it was going to come to a point . . . when it was time to separate."
The 5-foot-10, 188-pound Thomas was among four Temple players who participated at last week's NFL combine. The others were combine sensation and linebacker-defensive end Haason Reddick, offensive lineman Dion Dawkins, and cornerback Nate Hairston.
Those four didn't participate in all the drills at Temple's pro day, but Thomas elected to run the 40-yard dash. At the combine he was clocked at 4.62 seconds, not blazing for a running back.
"I wasn't happy with my 40 time [at the combine], which is why I ran it today," Thomas said.
While the times weren't immediately released, a source said Thomas didn't quite match his 40-time from the combine.
"His isn't a burner, but he is so elusive, and that is his strength," an NFL scout said about Thomas.
Thomas didn't participate in all the drills at the combine, he said, because his ankle was bothering him. He is a likely NFL draft choice, mainly because he can be used in a variety of ways. After missing the first two games last season with a thumb injury, Thomas finished with 953 yards rushing (4.6 average) and 13 touchdowns. He caught 33 passes for 418 yards and six touchdowns and added 101 yards as a punt returner and 28 as a kick returner.
"What I heard from NFL teams is they like my versatility," Thomas said.
Walker is the most prolific quarterback in Temple history with a slew of records, including a program-high 74 touchdown passes. But his draft status is uncertain, largely because of his height. He said he measured at 5-foot-11 and 214 pounds.
"I can play," Walker said. "The height is not a factor."
Walker has always displayed a quiet confidence. While there is a feeling that he will be an undrafted free agent, Walker doesn't share that view.
"I do expect to get drafted, and I know what I displayed out there today was pretty good," he said.
Said one NFL scout, "He could get drafted."
As for working out one final time with Thomas, he's holding out hope that there will be more chances in the future.
"We might link back up. Who knows?" Walker said. "We have faith and believe we will be back together at some point."
@sjnard