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Will Temple football see progress in 2022 after sharp decline?

By Michael Hanich

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 2: D'Wan Mathis #18 of the Temple Owls before the game agains the Memphis Tigers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 2, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 2: D'Wan Mathis #18 of the Temple Owls before the game agains the Memphis Tigers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 2, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Getty Images) /
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Temple Owls cornerback Cameron Ruiz (19) forces Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) to drop a pass on the goal line in the first half of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Temple Owls on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Temple Owls At Cincinnati Bearcats
Temple Owls cornerback Cameron Ruiz (19) forces Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) to drop a pass on the goal line in the first half of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Temple Owls on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.Temple Owls At Cincinnati Bearcats /

Owls look to solidify themselves at every position group

The defense of the Owls needs just as much work and corrections in order for them to slow down potentially dangerous offenses. Last season, the Owls were ranked 122nd in points allowed per game (37.5). They ranked last in the AAC in scoring defense and rushing defense this past season.

Drayton has called for long-time defensive coordinator DJ Eliot to lead the Owls’ defense. The Owls are significantly changing their philosophy by changing from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive front.

With the Owls moving to a 3-4 defense, they need aggressive defensive linemen to hold their own at the line of scrimmage. The Owls have experienced playmakers they feel can lead the defensive line, starting with nose tackle Xach Gill. After missing out on the 2021 season with an injury, Gill is looking to solidify the interior defensive line. Jerquavion Mahone and Darian Varner are players that will solidify the edge as the starting defensive ends for the 2022 season. Mahone and Varian accumulated 49 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

The biggest question mark of the Owls’ defense will be the youth and inexperience of the linebacker corps. Three of Temple’s four projected starting linebackers are sophomores this 2022 season. Their leading returning tackler from last season is sophomore Jordan Magee, who accounted for 54 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and three pass breakups at will linebacker. Kobe Wilson comes as the full-time starting inside linebacker and Yvandy Rigby will be a full-time starter after filling in as a part-time starter.

While there is potential in the defensive line, it is their secondary where they feel more confident.

They will return two of their four starters from last year, with both coming at the cornerbacks. Cameron Ruiz returns as a senior to lead the defensive backs after a stellar 2021 season. Last season, he accounted for 31 total tackles and led the team with five pass breakups. Keyshwan Paul will be their other main starting cornerback. DaeSeason Winston returns as the starter at safety after missing most of the season with an injury. Senior Jalen Ware and sophomore Alex Odom are the remaining players to contend for the last starting safety spot.

Either way, the secondary has serious depth and talent.

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