Temple position analysis: Quarterback

The search for Phillip Walker's successor at quarterback has been on since Temple lost to Wake Forest, 34-26, in the Military Bowl in December. Four players who have combined for 11 passes in college are vying to replace Walker, who set an Owls record with 28 wins as a QB.

On the first day of preseason practice, coach Geoff Collins, not wanting to show favoritism, had all four take the first snap, symbolizing a job up for grabs.

The four players — redshirt junior Frank Nutile, redshirt sophomore Logan Marchi, redshirt freshman Anthony Russo, and true freshman Todd Centeio — bring different qualities. Here is where they stand.

This job appeared in the spring to be Marchi's to lose, and while he didn't lose it, last year's backup also wasn't able to snag it. Marchi had a difficult time in the Cherry & White game, completing 4 of 10 passes for 92 yards and two interceptions. He doesn't have great size at 6-foot and 190 pounds, but he runs well and has the leadership qualities the coaching staff is seeking. Can he be an accurate passer? That is the big question.

The other three quarterbacks have praised Nutile for his knowledge and willingness to help them learn the position. At 6-4 and 219 pounds, he has ideal size and, while his mobility is questioned, it's better than advertised. He has a strong arm, and his ability to grasp the offense is his best trait.

Russo has the strongest arm of the four. At 6-4 and 220 pounds, he has good size and, like Nutile, is a better athlete than given credit for. As with all young players, he has to show more consistency, but he's the one Owls quarterback who can make any pass and throw it with great authority.

Centeio enrolled in January and has shown great progress. Once considered a long shot for the job, he had a strong spring game, completing 9 of 13 passes for 110 yards and a score. He is the most elusive of the four, able to gain yardage when a play breaks down. His confidence seems to be growing. When he arrived, he was more of a candidate for a redshirt than for the starting job, but he has put himself in the conversation with his development.