Hammond eager to catch on with Owls

January 20, 2008

Hammond eager to catch on with Owls

Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer

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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.