January 24, 2008
Boyle brothers lining up to play for Owls
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Temple offensive coordinator George DeLeone appears to be building a cohesive unit along the line of scrimmage. Establishing some depth there is the next step for DeLeone, who also serves as the Owls' offensive line coach, and the fiery teacher and mentor is hoping the addition of a set of twin brothers from Maryland's Calvert Hall High School will provide some help in that area.
The Owls landed verbal commitments from left tackle Pat Boyle and left guard Sean Boyle when the pair accepted scholarship offers from Temple head coach Al Golden in October.
The Boyle twins, who check in at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, said they made their college decisions individually. And while they're certainly excited about playing together at the next level, that was not the only factor in their decision.
"It's nice to be going to school with him," Pat Boyle said, "but we made our decisions separately. We did not have to be going to the same school. William & Mary was pushing for us hard as well. Towson had some interest in the beginning of the summer. In the end, we both felt that Temple was the right place."
"Playing together is not extremely important to us," Sean Boyle said, echoing his brother's sentiments.
Temple is in a unique situation in that the Owls expect to return 10 of 11 starters on offense, including all five on the offensive line, so the Boyles know it will take a lot of work to make an impact as freshmen.
In fact, they were quite honest in breaking down their own individual games when speaking with OwlScoop.com.
"I need to work on my speed," Pat Boyle said. "I had a lot of trouble with faster defensive ends. At the next level, they are all going to be pretty fast."
"I like going against bigger lineman that I can get under and push off," Sean Boyle said. "I still need to work on my speed. We didn't pass the ball a lot, but when we did, I felt I did a good job pass blocking."
The Boyles were part of a Calvert Hall team that went 5-6 in 2007. Throughout the year, they kept close tabs on the obvious improvement of their future program in North Philadelphia.
"They made some great strides," Pat Boyle said. "I never really knew anything about Temple football, but I followed them this year and I was impressed with what they did. They were competitive every game I saw. We went to the Kent State game (a 24-14 Temple win), and it is real exciting to get a chance to play at [Lincoln Financial Field]. Every player wants to play in a stadium that size."
While the Boyles are excited to be joining an improving program, they kept a close eye on the coaching situation this off-season when Golden interviewed for the head coaching job at UCLA. Golden ultimately withdrew his name from consideration just after Christmas.
"I felt like it was a good thing," Pat Boyle said. "For him to be interviewing for a job like that means he must be doing something good at Temple. It really just gives more exposure to Temple."
"When I heard he was interviewing with UCLA, I thought about leaving," Sean Boyle admitted. "In the end, Temple was where I wanted to be. I'm glad he came back, and I am excited to play for him next season."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Hammond eager to catch on with Owls
January 20, 2008
Hammond eager to catch on with Owls
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Every coach knows play-making receivers that can stretch the field are a rare and valuable commodity.
Temple head coach Al Golden hopes that 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver Cedric Hammond will grow into that type of player. Hammond, a senior from Washington, D.C.'s St. John's College High who gave the Owls a verbal commitment back in early July, scored four times in 2007 but amassed an impressive 27.1 yards-per-catch average. His 15 catches for 407 yards helped lead his team to and 8-2 overall record and a three-way tie for first place in his conference.
Hammond's team, like many high school programs, utilized a heavy run-oriented offense. It forced Hammond to take an active role in run-blocking, something many young receivers are reluctant to do.
"I really improved my blocking this season," Hammond told OwlScoop.com. "I think my blocking will help me stand out next season."
While his desire to be a solid run-blocker could help Hammond stand out, cracking Temple's receiving rotation in 2008 will be tough, as the Owls have more depth at wide receiver than any other position. Bruce Francis, the team's leading receiver, and Travis Shelton will be seniors, and Dy'Onne Crudup will return after a breakout sophomore campaign that saw him catch 39 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns.
And don't forget sophomores-to-be Michael Campbell, Marquise Liverpool and Delano Green, all of whom began to pick up some steam at the end of 2007. Realistically, those are the players Hammond will have to contend with if he hopes to land some playing time, but he won't let Temple's depth at that position deter him.
"I am not worried about playing time," Hammond said. "I am going to get out of it what I put into it. If I continue to work hard in the offseason, I see myself making an impact right away for this team."
Hammond, who was also recruited heavily by James Madison, was surprised when he heard that Golden was interviewing with UCLA before Christmas.
"I was shocked when I heard that," Hammond said. "I decided to wait it out and see what would happen next. In the end, I'm happy that he stayed."
Temple's 4-8 2007 season, a three-win upgrade from 2006, has Hammond encouraged.
"Their improvement was amazing," Hammond said. "I watched the Penn State game and thought they played well. They moved the ball, they just couldn't finish. I am excited to join a team that can be really competitive."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Hammond eager to catch on with Owls
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Every coach knows play-making receivers that can stretch the field are a rare and valuable commodity.
Temple head coach Al Golden hopes that 6-foot-2, 175-pound wide receiver Cedric Hammond will grow into that type of player. Hammond, a senior from Washington, D.C.'s St. John's College High who gave the Owls a verbal commitment back in early July, scored four times in 2007 but amassed an impressive 27.1 yards-per-catch average. His 15 catches for 407 yards helped lead his team to and 8-2 overall record and a three-way tie for first place in his conference.
Hammond's team, like many high school programs, utilized a heavy run-oriented offense. It forced Hammond to take an active role in run-blocking, something many young receivers are reluctant to do.
"I really improved my blocking this season," Hammond told OwlScoop.com. "I think my blocking will help me stand out next season."
While his desire to be a solid run-blocker could help Hammond stand out, cracking Temple's receiving rotation in 2008 will be tough, as the Owls have more depth at wide receiver than any other position. Bruce Francis, the team's leading receiver, and Travis Shelton will be seniors, and Dy'Onne Crudup will return after a breakout sophomore campaign that saw him catch 39 passes for 376 yards and three touchdowns.
And don't forget sophomores-to-be Michael Campbell, Marquise Liverpool and Delano Green, all of whom began to pick up some steam at the end of 2007. Realistically, those are the players Hammond will have to contend with if he hopes to land some playing time, but he won't let Temple's depth at that position deter him.
"I am not worried about playing time," Hammond said. "I am going to get out of it what I put into it. If I continue to work hard in the offseason, I see myself making an impact right away for this team."
Hammond, who was also recruited heavily by James Madison, was surprised when he heard that Golden was interviewing with UCLA before Christmas.
"I was shocked when I heard that," Hammond said. "I decided to wait it out and see what would happen next. In the end, I'm happy that he stayed."
Temple's 4-8 2007 season, a three-win upgrade from 2006, has Hammond encouraged.
"Their improvement was amazing," Hammond said. "I watched the Penn State game and thought they played well. They moved the ball, they just couldn't finish. I am excited to join a team that can be really competitive."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Golden's persistence helped Owls land Caputo
Golden's persistence helped Owls land Caputo
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Al Golden is making a name for himself as an aggressive recruiter. Temple's head coach once again sought out a local player and was able to gain a verbal commitment.
This time, Golden landed 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive guard Steve Caputo from Unionville High School. Caputo also had offers from Buffalo, Delaware and Syracuse.
"[Temple] recruited me harder than anyone else," Caputo told OwlScoop.com. "It was like every day I would come home and have letters from Al Golden. They showed me they really wanted me. And in the end, that helped with my decision."
Caputo, who originally was being looked at by programs like West Virginia, Penn State and Pittsburgh, may have scared some of the bigger names away with his history of knee injuries.
Caputo first tore his anterior cruciate ligament playing junior varsity basketball in 10th grade. After rehabilitating the injury, he was cleared to play his junior football season. But later that year, Caputo tore his ACL again.
"I may have rushed it," Caputo said. "During the rehab I really didn't lift legs. I didn't strengthen the knee. That, and I gained a lot of weight after my first surgery. I didn't realize the pressure I was putting on the knee with the weight I gained."
Caputo approached the second rehab with a completely different attitude.
"I lift legs a lot now," Caputo said. "I squat, dead-lift, clean and eat better. I shed some weight, which allows me to be more explosive. My knee definitely feels stronger then it has ever been."
Caputo has an unusual amount of explosion and quickness for an interior lineman. His combination of speed and strength make him a viable prospect for the Owls.
"I feel that I am real explosive," Caputo said. "My feet are quick, which makes it hard for defensive lineman to get past me. I still need to work on getting lower position before I get to Temple. I am not always low enough. I need to make it so I don't have to think about getting low all the time. I need to get to the point where I am just naturally low."
Caputo is coming off a 10-1 campaign at Unionville and will look to bring the same winning attitude to a Temple offense that will return 10 starters from its 4-8 2007 season.
Caputo, who watched the Owls play against Buffalo and Penn State this past season, has seen the improvement of the team and is looking forward to being a part of it.
"Al Golden and the rest of the coaches remind me of my high school coaches," Caputo said. "I really like what they are doing there. When my coach took over, we were 0-10. My freshman year we were 5-5, and we have won three straight (division) titles since then."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Al Golden is making a name for himself as an aggressive recruiter. Temple's head coach once again sought out a local player and was able to gain a verbal commitment.
This time, Golden landed 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive guard Steve Caputo from Unionville High School. Caputo also had offers from Buffalo, Delaware and Syracuse.
"[Temple] recruited me harder than anyone else," Caputo told OwlScoop.com. "It was like every day I would come home and have letters from Al Golden. They showed me they really wanted me. And in the end, that helped with my decision."
Caputo, who originally was being looked at by programs like West Virginia, Penn State and Pittsburgh, may have scared some of the bigger names away with his history of knee injuries.
Caputo first tore his anterior cruciate ligament playing junior varsity basketball in 10th grade. After rehabilitating the injury, he was cleared to play his junior football season. But later that year, Caputo tore his ACL again.
"I may have rushed it," Caputo said. "During the rehab I really didn't lift legs. I didn't strengthen the knee. That, and I gained a lot of weight after my first surgery. I didn't realize the pressure I was putting on the knee with the weight I gained."
Caputo approached the second rehab with a completely different attitude.
"I lift legs a lot now," Caputo said. "I squat, dead-lift, clean and eat better. I shed some weight, which allows me to be more explosive. My knee definitely feels stronger then it has ever been."
Caputo has an unusual amount of explosion and quickness for an interior lineman. His combination of speed and strength make him a viable prospect for the Owls.
"I feel that I am real explosive," Caputo said. "My feet are quick, which makes it hard for defensive lineman to get past me. I still need to work on getting lower position before I get to Temple. I am not always low enough. I need to make it so I don't have to think about getting low all the time. I need to get to the point where I am just naturally low."
Caputo is coming off a 10-1 campaign at Unionville and will look to bring the same winning attitude to a Temple offense that will return 10 starters from its 4-8 2007 season.
Caputo, who watched the Owls play against Buffalo and Penn State this past season, has seen the improvement of the team and is looking forward to being a part of it.
"Al Golden and the rest of the coaches remind me of my high school coaches," Caputo said. "I really like what they are doing there. When my coach took over, we were 0-10. My freshman year we were 5-5, and we have won three straight (division) titles since then."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Dennis coming into his own at guard
November 22, 2007
Dennis coming into his own at guard
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Through the early parts of the season, Al Golden craved continuity along his offensive line.
But judging by Temple's first five games, it looked as if the second-year head coach would never get his wish when the Owls went winless during that stretch.
The line, however, did improve as the season advanced, especially during the Owls' three-game win streak, and a lot of the success can be attributed to the development of Derek Dennis, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound freshman guard out of New York's Trinity-Pawling High School.
Dennis has started Temple's last nine games and has become a fixture at right guard alongside junior right tackle Andre Douglas. He played arguably his best game of the season last Saturday in the Owls' 24-14 win over Kent State.
Against the Mid-American Conference's top rushing defense, Temple collected 184 yards on the ground. And on one particular drive, the Owls dominated the Golden Flashes at the line of scrimmage, and tailbacks Daryl Robinson and Jason Harper had Dennis and Douglas to thank for it.
Trailing 14-6 in the third quarter, Temple took over at its own 24-yard line and went to work. Harper put together carries of 18 and 22 yards, and Robinson uncorked a 27-yard scamper that sent the Owls down to the Kent State 9. On the next play, Harper scored to close the gap to 14-12.
Four plays. Seventy-six yards. One minute, 15 seconds off the game clock. All four of those runs went through the right side of the line, with Dennis and Douglas leading the way and controlling the point of attack.
"We just put it all together," Dennis said. "In the beginning of the year, we didn't play well. We started to play a little better in the UConn game. It was more of a team effort. As the year went on we started to get that team unity coach wanted."
With the exception of left tackles Devin Tyler and Jabari Ferguson, junior center Alex Derenthal has been playing with brand new teammates along the offensive lien this season in Dennis, Douglas and left guard Colin Madison, another freshman.
"They are doing a very good job this season," Derenthal said. "When they came in, I didn't know what to expect from them, but they are definitely proving that they can play at this level. They're going to be great players."
The beginning of the season was a difficult time for Temple's offensive line, and the unit still has plenty of work to do. The Owls have allowed 39 sacks this season, the most in the MAC.
But Golden has seen enough growth with the group to feel optimistic about their future.
"As I told the guys, this is like a Texas Hold 'Em game, and you guys showed your hand," Golden said. "That's good news and bad news. The good news is we know you can play at that level. The bad news is that now you have to be held to that level and practice at that level."
As the line adjusts to higher expectations, Dennis and his teammates still have one more game left at Western Michigan Saturday with a change to finish 5-7 overall and 5-3 in the conference. The entire until will be returning next season, which will give Dennis and his line mates another off-season program together.
"We are all friends," Dennis said. "We bonded this season as a group. Colin and I dorm together and hang out all the time. We all just get along great, which helps us on the football field."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Dennis coming into his own at guard
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Through the early parts of the season, Al Golden craved continuity along his offensive line.
But judging by Temple's first five games, it looked as if the second-year head coach would never get his wish when the Owls went winless during that stretch.
The line, however, did improve as the season advanced, especially during the Owls' three-game win streak, and a lot of the success can be attributed to the development of Derek Dennis, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound freshman guard out of New York's Trinity-Pawling High School.
Dennis has started Temple's last nine games and has become a fixture at right guard alongside junior right tackle Andre Douglas. He played arguably his best game of the season last Saturday in the Owls' 24-14 win over Kent State.
Against the Mid-American Conference's top rushing defense, Temple collected 184 yards on the ground. And on one particular drive, the Owls dominated the Golden Flashes at the line of scrimmage, and tailbacks Daryl Robinson and Jason Harper had Dennis and Douglas to thank for it.
Trailing 14-6 in the third quarter, Temple took over at its own 24-yard line and went to work. Harper put together carries of 18 and 22 yards, and Robinson uncorked a 27-yard scamper that sent the Owls down to the Kent State 9. On the next play, Harper scored to close the gap to 14-12.
Four plays. Seventy-six yards. One minute, 15 seconds off the game clock. All four of those runs went through the right side of the line, with Dennis and Douglas leading the way and controlling the point of attack.
"We just put it all together," Dennis said. "In the beginning of the year, we didn't play well. We started to play a little better in the UConn game. It was more of a team effort. As the year went on we started to get that team unity coach wanted."
With the exception of left tackles Devin Tyler and Jabari Ferguson, junior center Alex Derenthal has been playing with brand new teammates along the offensive lien this season in Dennis, Douglas and left guard Colin Madison, another freshman.
"They are doing a very good job this season," Derenthal said. "When they came in, I didn't know what to expect from them, but they are definitely proving that they can play at this level. They're going to be great players."
The beginning of the season was a difficult time for Temple's offensive line, and the unit still has plenty of work to do. The Owls have allowed 39 sacks this season, the most in the MAC.
But Golden has seen enough growth with the group to feel optimistic about their future.
"As I told the guys, this is like a Texas Hold 'Em game, and you guys showed your hand," Golden said. "That's good news and bad news. The good news is we know you can play at that level. The bad news is that now you have to be held to that level and practice at that level."
As the line adjusts to higher expectations, Dennis and his teammates still have one more game left at Western Michigan Saturday with a change to finish 5-7 overall and 5-3 in the conference. The entire until will be returning next season, which will give Dennis and his line mates another off-season program together.
"We are all friends," Dennis said. "We bonded this season as a group. Colin and I dorm together and hang out all the time. We all just get along great, which helps us on the football field."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Cotton Catching On
November 21, 2007
Cotton catching on
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
When Kamesha Hairston graduated to the WNBA, Temple women's basketball coach Dawn Staley lost a little more than eight rebounds and almost 19 points per game.
Replacing that kind of production wasn't going to be easy, but junior college transfer Shanea Cotton has done her best through three games to fill the void.
The 6-foot-4 post player isn't necessarily looking to be the scorer Hairston was, but she has been more than willing to establish a presence on the glass. In Temple's first three games, Cotton is averaging 4.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.
"It's going to be a hard adjustment [without Hairston]," Cotton said, "but with our incoming freshmen, and with our team being a tight-knit family, it's going to be a good transition."
Cotton is no stranger to accolades. At Mississippi's Harrison Central High School, she was the state's 5A Championship MVP, leading her team to a 26-4 record en rote to garnering all-conference and all-state honors. She was also named as one of the state's top 12 basketball players, which Mississippi called its "Dandy Dozen."
At Gulf Coast Community College, Cotton led her team to the FCCAA State Championship game, averaging 13.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. She was named a Kodak/WBCA All-American and elected to sign with Temple, where she knew she would have the opportunity to play for a former Olympian and WNBA all-star.
"Dawn Staley is one of the main reasons why I came to Temple," Cotton said. "It's a thrill to play for somebody with such experience and such a background."
Cotton also doesn't appear to be afraid to admit her shortcomings.
"One thing I want to improve on is my listening skills," Cotton said. "My teammates say I have a hard time listening. Coach Staley puts me in my place if I'm not listening."
She appears to be getting the message so far. Cotton's Temple debut saw her score nine points and grab 12 rebounds in a win over Central Michigan. She collected 12 more rebounds at No. 8 Georgia last week and four boards at Georgia Tech.
Playing alongside forward Lady Comfort, Cotton could make Temple a very good team in the frontcourt.
"Shanea is going to help us," Staley said. "She's long. She can run the floor like a gazelle. She's just bringing an experienced post player to the team. She is coming in ready to play.
"The reason I got on her so much is that I think she can help us right away. I feel she can play a lot of minutes for us, but I have to put them through the ringers to prove it."
The games at Georgia and Georgia Tech were challenging enough, and now Cotton and the Owls will travel to play the likes of Duke and Purdue in the Paradise Jam this weekend. Temple (1-2) will face the No. 9 Blue Devils Friday at 6 p.m. and the No. 22 Boilermakers. After that, they could face either No. 2 Connecticut, No. 4 Stanford or an undefeated Old Dominion team.
Competing with the nation's elite is a goal of Staley's and her players, but Cotton wants to keep one goal in mind.
"I just want to be a threat, and I want to be a go-to person," Cotton said. "And as a team, we want to win the A-10, and we'll go from there."
Cotton was mindful of team chemistry when she arrived at Temple. Like so many other players, she was the leader of every team she had been on since high school.
Now, she's content to find her role and continue in her growth as a frontcourt presence.
"I'm a very humble person," Cotton said. "I can just follow a leader."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Cotton catching on
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
When Kamesha Hairston graduated to the WNBA, Temple women's basketball coach Dawn Staley lost a little more than eight rebounds and almost 19 points per game.
Replacing that kind of production wasn't going to be easy, but junior college transfer Shanea Cotton has done her best through three games to fill the void.
The 6-foot-4 post player isn't necessarily looking to be the scorer Hairston was, but she has been more than willing to establish a presence on the glass. In Temple's first three games, Cotton is averaging 4.3 points and 9.3 rebounds.
"It's going to be a hard adjustment [without Hairston]," Cotton said, "but with our incoming freshmen, and with our team being a tight-knit family, it's going to be a good transition."
Cotton is no stranger to accolades. At Mississippi's Harrison Central High School, she was the state's 5A Championship MVP, leading her team to a 26-4 record en rote to garnering all-conference and all-state honors. She was also named as one of the state's top 12 basketball players, which Mississippi called its "Dandy Dozen."
At Gulf Coast Community College, Cotton led her team to the FCCAA State Championship game, averaging 13.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. She was named a Kodak/WBCA All-American and elected to sign with Temple, where she knew she would have the opportunity to play for a former Olympian and WNBA all-star.
"Dawn Staley is one of the main reasons why I came to Temple," Cotton said. "It's a thrill to play for somebody with such experience and such a background."
Cotton also doesn't appear to be afraid to admit her shortcomings.
"One thing I want to improve on is my listening skills," Cotton said. "My teammates say I have a hard time listening. Coach Staley puts me in my place if I'm not listening."
She appears to be getting the message so far. Cotton's Temple debut saw her score nine points and grab 12 rebounds in a win over Central Michigan. She collected 12 more rebounds at No. 8 Georgia last week and four boards at Georgia Tech.
Playing alongside forward Lady Comfort, Cotton could make Temple a very good team in the frontcourt.
"Shanea is going to help us," Staley said. "She's long. She can run the floor like a gazelle. She's just bringing an experienced post player to the team. She is coming in ready to play.
"The reason I got on her so much is that I think she can help us right away. I feel she can play a lot of minutes for us, but I have to put them through the ringers to prove it."
The games at Georgia and Georgia Tech were challenging enough, and now Cotton and the Owls will travel to play the likes of Duke and Purdue in the Paradise Jam this weekend. Temple (1-2) will face the No. 9 Blue Devils Friday at 6 p.m. and the No. 22 Boilermakers. After that, they could face either No. 2 Connecticut, No. 4 Stanford or an undefeated Old Dominion team.
Competing with the nation's elite is a goal of Staley's and her players, but Cotton wants to keep one goal in mind.
"I just want to be a threat, and I want to be a go-to person," Cotton said. "And as a team, we want to win the A-10, and we'll go from there."
Cotton was mindful of team chemistry when she arrived at Temple. Like so many other players, she was the leader of every team she had been on since high school.
Now, she's content to find her role and continue in her growth as a frontcourt presence.
"I'm a very humble person," Cotton said. "I can just follow a leader."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Recruiting spotlight: Maurice Jones
November 19, 2007
Recruiting spotlight: Maurice Jones
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
It's been a busy and productive month on the recruiting front for Temple's football program.
To get their 21st verbal commitment from the class of 2008, Owls head coach Al Goldn and his staff tapped into North Jersey once again, where they've had some success in the past, to land Maurice Jones, a 5-foot-10, 178-pound cornerback from Belleville High School.
In an interview with OwlScoop.com, Jones said he is hoping to come in and contribute right away.
"I think I could bring a lot to this defense," Jones said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm also a smart player and I like to study defense. I want to know a lot about what's going on."
The Owls showed some early interest in Jones, as Temple was the first school he visited. Jones took a trip to North Broad Street in June and received an offer from Golden.
Jones was being recruited by some of the East Coast's heavy hitters in college football. He had pending offers from Boston College, Wake Forest and Mid-American Conference rival Akron. Maryland and Syracuse also showed interest in Jones, but Temple was able to stand out.
"It wasn't really who I wanted the most," Jones said. "It was more of who wanted me the most. Temple showed the most interest in me. I really liked the coaches there. They remind me of my high school coaches."
Jones is confident, but it may be difficult for him to crack the defensive backfield rotation as a freshman. Starting corners Anthony Ferla, a sophomore, and Jamal Schulters, a freshman, are returning. Their backups, Evan Cooper and Wilbert Brinson, are also coming back next season.
But this is part of what Golden was talking about when he spoke of building a program. The addition of Jones is further proof that Temple is getting commitments from highly-recruited athletes, and it also means the Owls will be able to build depth, create competition and prepare for the future in key areas like the secondary.
While Jones is enjoying his senior season, he knows what he must do to improve his game for college.
"I need to get stronger and faster," Jones said. "I just have to become better. I am never finished. I can always improve on everything in my game."
And at least one of those faces in Temple's secondary will look familiar to Jones.
"I went up against Anthony Ferla in high school," Jones said. "We ran against each other in track and football. He went to St. Joe's, so we went up against each other."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Recruiting spotlight: Maurice Jones
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
It's been a busy and productive month on the recruiting front for Temple's football program.
To get their 21st verbal commitment from the class of 2008, Owls head coach Al Goldn and his staff tapped into North Jersey once again, where they've had some success in the past, to land Maurice Jones, a 5-foot-10, 178-pound cornerback from Belleville High School.
In an interview with OwlScoop.com, Jones said he is hoping to come in and contribute right away.
"I think I could bring a lot to this defense," Jones said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm also a smart player and I like to study defense. I want to know a lot about what's going on."
The Owls showed some early interest in Jones, as Temple was the first school he visited. Jones took a trip to North Broad Street in June and received an offer from Golden.
Jones was being recruited by some of the East Coast's heavy hitters in college football. He had pending offers from Boston College, Wake Forest and Mid-American Conference rival Akron. Maryland and Syracuse also showed interest in Jones, but Temple was able to stand out.
"It wasn't really who I wanted the most," Jones said. "It was more of who wanted me the most. Temple showed the most interest in me. I really liked the coaches there. They remind me of my high school coaches."
Jones is confident, but it may be difficult for him to crack the defensive backfield rotation as a freshman. Starting corners Anthony Ferla, a sophomore, and Jamal Schulters, a freshman, are returning. Their backups, Evan Cooper and Wilbert Brinson, are also coming back next season.
But this is part of what Golden was talking about when he spoke of building a program. The addition of Jones is further proof that Temple is getting commitments from highly-recruited athletes, and it also means the Owls will be able to build depth, create competition and prepare for the future in key areas like the secondary.
While Jones is enjoying his senior season, he knows what he must do to improve his game for college.
"I need to get stronger and faster," Jones said. "I just have to become better. I am never finished. I can always improve on everything in my game."
And at least one of those faces in Temple's secondary will look familiar to Jones.
"I went up against Anthony Ferla in high school," Jones said. "We ran against each other in track and football. He went to St. Joe's, so we went up against each other."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Grounded in success
November 18, 2007
Grounded in success
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
One of the biggest problems this season for Temple's football team has been running the ball.
The Owls came into Saturday's game against Kent State ranked dead last in the Mid-American Conference in rushing offense, averaging just over 88 yards per game. The Golden Flashes came to Philadelphia ranked first in the MAC in rushing defense, allowing 165 yards per game.
The stage wasn't set for Temple to have a big day on the ground, but trends were broken Saturday. The Owls rushed for 184 yards en route to a 24-14 victory over the Golden Flashes.
Freshman tailback Daryl Robinson rushed for a career-high 105 yards on 17 carries for the Owls.
"Basically, I was real excited running against the top defense in the MAC," Robinson said. "I'm just getting a feel for the game. In the beginning, I wasn't really focused and wasn't patient."
The first half seemed like the same old story. Temple picked up just 44 yards on 22 carries. But the second half, especially a touchdown drive in the third quarter, was where the ground game took off.
A blocked Temple punt resulted in a touchdown for Kent State, and the Golden Flashes held a 14-6 lead at that point. But Temple responded the very next drive in a big way.
With just under five minutes left in the third quarter, the Owls took over at their 13-yard line. After two Jason Harper runs that totaled 40 yards, Robinson took one for 27 yards to the Kent State 9. Harper scored on the very next play to get the Owls within two points. He finished the game with 79 yards on the ground.
"I think [the improvement in the running game] all came in the third quarter, and I thought that the offensive staff and (offensive coordinator) George (Deleone) just did a brilliant job," Temple head coach Al Golden said. "Not just early in the quarter, but they really changed the tempo of the game. The kids just ran a little bit harder."
Robinson, who notched his first career 100-yard rushing game, finally looked like a runner who was content to let some things develop before hitting the hole.
"There was a couple times early, like the Northern Illinois game, that he cut it all the way back," Golden said of Robinson. "Quite often, young backs stop their feet because they are looking for the big run, instead of four or five (yards). Today he was taking the four or five and then turning it into nine or 10. Those guys run the ball hard. I think that's great. We almost had two 100 yard rushers."
Kent State was the team going into the game with the stud running back. Golden Flashes tailback Eugene Jarvis was the MAC's leading rusher with 1,429 yards, but he had just 66 on 13 carries on Saturday.
Temple's ability to run the ball enabled it to keep Jarvis off the field. The Owls controlled the clock for over 38 minutes, and most of the second half. They limited Kent State to just one offensive touchdown.
Temple totaled six scoring drives, as kick Jake Brownell banged through four field goals to go with the two touchdowns.
"We had the ball for almost 39 minutes; you should win the game if you have it for that long," Golden said.
Robinson, Harper and the rest of the Owls will look to close the season on a high note when they play at Western Michigan next Saturday. A win would give the Owls a 5-3 conference record in their first season in the MAC.
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Grounded in success
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
One of the biggest problems this season for Temple's football team has been running the ball.
The Owls came into Saturday's game against Kent State ranked dead last in the Mid-American Conference in rushing offense, averaging just over 88 yards per game. The Golden Flashes came to Philadelphia ranked first in the MAC in rushing defense, allowing 165 yards per game.
The stage wasn't set for Temple to have a big day on the ground, but trends were broken Saturday. The Owls rushed for 184 yards en route to a 24-14 victory over the Golden Flashes.
Freshman tailback Daryl Robinson rushed for a career-high 105 yards on 17 carries for the Owls.
"Basically, I was real excited running against the top defense in the MAC," Robinson said. "I'm just getting a feel for the game. In the beginning, I wasn't really focused and wasn't patient."
The first half seemed like the same old story. Temple picked up just 44 yards on 22 carries. But the second half, especially a touchdown drive in the third quarter, was where the ground game took off.
A blocked Temple punt resulted in a touchdown for Kent State, and the Golden Flashes held a 14-6 lead at that point. But Temple responded the very next drive in a big way.
With just under five minutes left in the third quarter, the Owls took over at their 13-yard line. After two Jason Harper runs that totaled 40 yards, Robinson took one for 27 yards to the Kent State 9. Harper scored on the very next play to get the Owls within two points. He finished the game with 79 yards on the ground.
"I think [the improvement in the running game] all came in the third quarter, and I thought that the offensive staff and (offensive coordinator) George (Deleone) just did a brilliant job," Temple head coach Al Golden said. "Not just early in the quarter, but they really changed the tempo of the game. The kids just ran a little bit harder."
Robinson, who notched his first career 100-yard rushing game, finally looked like a runner who was content to let some things develop before hitting the hole.
"There was a couple times early, like the Northern Illinois game, that he cut it all the way back," Golden said of Robinson. "Quite often, young backs stop their feet because they are looking for the big run, instead of four or five (yards). Today he was taking the four or five and then turning it into nine or 10. Those guys run the ball hard. I think that's great. We almost had two 100 yard rushers."
Kent State was the team going into the game with the stud running back. Golden Flashes tailback Eugene Jarvis was the MAC's leading rusher with 1,429 yards, but he had just 66 on 13 carries on Saturday.
Temple's ability to run the ball enabled it to keep Jarvis off the field. The Owls controlled the clock for over 38 minutes, and most of the second half. They limited Kent State to just one offensive touchdown.
Temple totaled six scoring drives, as kick Jake Brownell banged through four field goals to go with the two touchdowns.
"We had the ball for almost 39 minutes; you should win the game if you have it for that long," Golden said.
Robinson, Harper and the rest of the Owls will look to close the season on a high note when they play at Western Michigan next Saturday. A win would give the Owls a 5-3 conference record in their first season in the MAC.
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Shelton gets involved
November 11, 2007
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Through the first nine games of the season, wide receiver Travis Shelton was a forgotten man in Temple's offense.
Against Penn State Saturday, the Owls used Shelton more. The junior caught five passes for 50 yards in Saturday's 31-0 defeat at the hands of Penn State.
Coming into the game, Shelton had just 12 receptions for 66 yards.
"It felt great today being part of the offense," Shelton said. "I felt good. I felt like we were clicking. We just need to finish it up in the red zone."
The Owls were able to move the ball on Penn State, getting inside the Nittany Lions' 20-yard line on two of their first three possessions. But once they got there, they couldn't convert. They were 0-for-4 on red zone attempts.
Temple amassed 242 total yards of offense, with 194 of that coming in the first half when the game was still within reach.
"We lost our focus a little bit when we got into the red zone," Shelton said. "(Temple) Coach (Al Golden) is always telling us to finish and not everybody was finishing, which is why our success was low."
Temple was facing a Penn State defense ranked No. 12 overall in the nation, and the Lions were averaging four sacks a game. To combat that, the Owls focused heavily on quick passes, and Shelton was a beneficiary of those quick hits.
"I think he played alright, one of his better games of the year," Golden said of Shelton. "Hopefully he'll keep building and finish the season strong."
Shelton was told to be ready.
"The coaches early in the week said they were going to try to get me the ball," Shelton said. "They wanted me to start making plays."
Temple quarterback Vaughn Charlton knew he wouldn't have much time to spend in the pocket, so the dump-offs to Shelton were perfect for him.
"Our game plan going into the game was to get rid of the ball fast," Charlton said. "Travis Shelton is a heck of an athlete. Any time you get him the ball, he makes something happen."
Another point of emphasis for Shelton has been special teams. The cousin of Chicago Bears Pro Bowl return man Devin Hester, Shelton was a standout in the return game last season, averaging 28.8 yards per return with one touchdown in just six games.
But coming into the Penn State game, Shelton was averaging just 21.4 yards per kickoff. He returned four kickoffs Saturday for 76 yards, including a 27-yarder that got the offense to midfield.
"They tried to sky kick it," Shelton said. "My team set up the wedge pretty nicely, so I was able to get a good return."
A 31-0 loss, of course, is not what Shelton and the rest of his teammates hoped for, but Temple's performance was a vast improvement from last season's 47-0 drubbing up at State College. The Owls mustered just two first downs and didn't cross midfield that rainy afternoon.
Leaving the Linc Saturday, Shelton was left with a different feeling.
"Last year it felt like a whole different ball game," Shelton said. "This year it felt like we were supposed to win that game. It didn't feel like a 31-0 game."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Through the first nine games of the season, wide receiver Travis Shelton was a forgotten man in Temple's offense.
Against Penn State Saturday, the Owls used Shelton more. The junior caught five passes for 50 yards in Saturday's 31-0 defeat at the hands of Penn State.
Coming into the game, Shelton had just 12 receptions for 66 yards.
"It felt great today being part of the offense," Shelton said. "I felt good. I felt like we were clicking. We just need to finish it up in the red zone."
The Owls were able to move the ball on Penn State, getting inside the Nittany Lions' 20-yard line on two of their first three possessions. But once they got there, they couldn't convert. They were 0-for-4 on red zone attempts.
Temple amassed 242 total yards of offense, with 194 of that coming in the first half when the game was still within reach.
"We lost our focus a little bit when we got into the red zone," Shelton said. "(Temple) Coach (Al Golden) is always telling us to finish and not everybody was finishing, which is why our success was low."
Temple was facing a Penn State defense ranked No. 12 overall in the nation, and the Lions were averaging four sacks a game. To combat that, the Owls focused heavily on quick passes, and Shelton was a beneficiary of those quick hits.
"I think he played alright, one of his better games of the year," Golden said of Shelton. "Hopefully he'll keep building and finish the season strong."
Shelton was told to be ready.
"The coaches early in the week said they were going to try to get me the ball," Shelton said. "They wanted me to start making plays."
Temple quarterback Vaughn Charlton knew he wouldn't have much time to spend in the pocket, so the dump-offs to Shelton were perfect for him.
"Our game plan going into the game was to get rid of the ball fast," Charlton said. "Travis Shelton is a heck of an athlete. Any time you get him the ball, he makes something happen."
Another point of emphasis for Shelton has been special teams. The cousin of Chicago Bears Pro Bowl return man Devin Hester, Shelton was a standout in the return game last season, averaging 28.8 yards per return with one touchdown in just six games.
But coming into the Penn State game, Shelton was averaging just 21.4 yards per kickoff. He returned four kickoffs Saturday for 76 yards, including a 27-yarder that got the offense to midfield.
"They tried to sky kick it," Shelton said. "My team set up the wedge pretty nicely, so I was able to get a good return."
A 31-0 loss, of course, is not what Shelton and the rest of his teammates hoped for, but Temple's performance was a vast improvement from last season's 47-0 drubbing up at State College. The Owls mustered just two first downs and didn't cross midfield that rainy afternoon.
Leaving the Linc Saturday, Shelton was left with a different feeling.
"Last year it felt like a whole different ball game," Shelton said. "This year it felt like we were supposed to win that game. It didn't feel like a 31-0 game."
OwlScoop.com staff writer Kenny Walter can be reached at kenneth.walter@temple.edu.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Brooks builds his reputation on defense
November 6, 2007
Brooks builds his reputation on defense
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Every successful basketball team needs a "glue guy," a player who can come in and play solid defense, hustle and shake things up.
Based upon what he did as a freshman, Ryan Brooks looks like he could be that guy who holds things together for Temple.
Brooks, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, came off the bench in each of the 24 games he played for the Owls last season, averaging just over three points and one rebound per game.
His presence was mainly felt on the defense.
"He's a good basketball player," Temple head coach Fran Dunphy said of Brooks. "He's our best perimeter defender right now."
For an Owls team that needs to improve significantly at that end of the floor, Brooks is happy to oblige.
"I think defense is very important," said Brooks, who became Dunphy's first recruit on North Broad Street when he signed a scholarship letter with Temple out of Lower Merion High School last summer. "I've always said since high school that if I could stop the best player on the other team, then our team is going to win."
Brooks experienced plenty of that at Lower Merion, leading the Aces to the 2006 PIAA Class AAAA state championship in an upset win over Pittsburgh's Schenley High School. It was Lower Merion's first state championship since the Kobe Bryant era, and Brooks garnered MVP honors by scoring a game-high 22 points, two of which came on a pair of clutch free throws with a minute left.
Because he signed late with the Owls and never received much recruiting attention from high major programs, Brooks arrived at Temple with little fanfare. However, he quickly established himself as a gritty catalyst who seemed to get better each week.
And while he earned a reputation as a sound defender, Brooks began to find confidence on offense. He averaged 6.0 points in the last 10 games of the season, saving his best effort for the season finale when he scored a career-high 15 points in a loss to St. Joseph's in the Atlantic 10 tournament.
"I just got in the rhythm early," Brooks said of that game. "Coach relied on me to go in and give him some good minutes. I hit my first shot and felt good from there. I kept playing well."
When Brooks asked Dunphy and his staff what he needed to work on during the summer, they told him they wanted him to become a better ball handler and shooter.
Improved ball-handling skills will allow Brooks to adjust to a new role within the offense as he plays more minutes alongside Mark Tyndale and Dionte Christmas, the top two returning scorers in the A-10.
"In transition, they would like me to push the break more," Brooks said. "Get the rebound and go. They trust me enough to make good decisions in the open court and just go out there and contribute any way I can."
Brooks is really going to have to be comfortable in his role in transition when Temple opens its season Friday at No. 7 Tennessee, the preseason favorite to win the SEC.
The Volunteers are a veteran, guard-laden squad. Tennessee averaged nearly nine 3-pointers a game last season, and preseason all-American guard Chris Lofton will lead the charge there. He shot 41.9 percent from beyond the arc, draining 106 shots from long range.
This, of course, will make Brooks' role as a perimeter defender extremely important.
"We know who Tennessee is as a program, and we know their personnel," Brooks said. "I think we are going to approach the game the same as any other team, knowing it's going to be a tough game."
Depending on what Dunphy wants to do in terms of having a bigger or smaller lineup, Brooks could wind up starting this season. And if he doesn't, Brooks said he was comfortable coming off the bench again.
"I'll be ready to go," Brooks said.
Brooks builds his reputation on defense
Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer
Talk about it in the Message Boards
Every successful basketball team needs a "glue guy," a player who can come in and play solid defense, hustle and shake things up.
Based upon what he did as a freshman, Ryan Brooks looks like he could be that guy who holds things together for Temple.
Brooks, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, came off the bench in each of the 24 games he played for the Owls last season, averaging just over three points and one rebound per game.
His presence was mainly felt on the defense.
"He's a good basketball player," Temple head coach Fran Dunphy said of Brooks. "He's our best perimeter defender right now."
For an Owls team that needs to improve significantly at that end of the floor, Brooks is happy to oblige.
"I think defense is very important," said Brooks, who became Dunphy's first recruit on North Broad Street when he signed a scholarship letter with Temple out of Lower Merion High School last summer. "I've always said since high school that if I could stop the best player on the other team, then our team is going to win."
Brooks experienced plenty of that at Lower Merion, leading the Aces to the 2006 PIAA Class AAAA state championship in an upset win over Pittsburgh's Schenley High School. It was Lower Merion's first state championship since the Kobe Bryant era, and Brooks garnered MVP honors by scoring a game-high 22 points, two of which came on a pair of clutch free throws with a minute left.
Because he signed late with the Owls and never received much recruiting attention from high major programs, Brooks arrived at Temple with little fanfare. However, he quickly established himself as a gritty catalyst who seemed to get better each week.
And while he earned a reputation as a sound defender, Brooks began to find confidence on offense. He averaged 6.0 points in the last 10 games of the season, saving his best effort for the season finale when he scored a career-high 15 points in a loss to St. Joseph's in the Atlantic 10 tournament.
"I just got in the rhythm early," Brooks said of that game. "Coach relied on me to go in and give him some good minutes. I hit my first shot and felt good from there. I kept playing well."
When Brooks asked Dunphy and his staff what he needed to work on during the summer, they told him they wanted him to become a better ball handler and shooter.
Improved ball-handling skills will allow Brooks to adjust to a new role within the offense as he plays more minutes alongside Mark Tyndale and Dionte Christmas, the top two returning scorers in the A-10.
"In transition, they would like me to push the break more," Brooks said. "Get the rebound and go. They trust me enough to make good decisions in the open court and just go out there and contribute any way I can."
Brooks is really going to have to be comfortable in his role in transition when Temple opens its season Friday at No. 7 Tennessee, the preseason favorite to win the SEC.
The Volunteers are a veteran, guard-laden squad. Tennessee averaged nearly nine 3-pointers a game last season, and preseason all-American guard Chris Lofton will lead the charge there. He shot 41.9 percent from beyond the arc, draining 106 shots from long range.
This, of course, will make Brooks' role as a perimeter defender extremely important.
"We know who Tennessee is as a program, and we know their personnel," Brooks said. "I think we are going to approach the game the same as any other team, knowing it's going to be a tough game."
Depending on what Dunphy wants to do in terms of having a bigger or smaller lineup, Brooks could wind up starting this season. And if he doesn't, Brooks said he was comfortable coming off the bench again.
"I'll be ready to go," Brooks said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)