PHILADELPHIA, PA The Temple University Football Program, under the leadership of first-year head coach Steve Addazio, signed 21 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent Wednesday.
Geographically, the states most represented in the Owl class are Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with seven student-athletes listing their hometowns in the Keystone state and six hailing from the Garden State. Five signees hail from Southeastern Pennsylvania, including four from the Philadelphia metro area.
Additionally, two signees hail from Florida, while Delaware, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia have one signee each. In a grouping, 14 signees are from the tri-state area.
Two of Temples signees are already enrolled as mid-year students. Eleven of the 18 high school signees attended the Temple Football Camp (61 %).
The Owls begin spring practice on Wednesday, March 23 in preparation for their fifth season of Mid-American Conference play in 2011. The squads annual Cherry & White spring game is slated for Saturday, April 16. Temple (8-5, 5-3 MAC in 2010) returns 43 letter-winners, including 13 starters, for the 2011 season.
2011 Temple Football National Letter of Intent Signees
Name Pos. Elig. Ht. Wt. Hometown High School / Other
Robbie Anderson WR Fr. 6-3 180 Davie, Fla. South Plantation
Nainy Bah WR Fr. 6-2 184 Clinton, Conn. Morgan School
Antonio Belt # WR Fr. 6-0 170 Forestville, Md. Forestville Military Academy / Fork Union
Brandon Chudnoff LB Fr. 6-2 228 Philadelphia, Pa. George Washington
Daquan Cooper WR Fr. 5-10 161 Philadelphia, Pa. George Washington
Malcolm Eugene * WR Jr. 6-4 205 Huntington, N.Y. Elwood-John Glenn / ASA College
Jalen Fitzpatrick QB Fr. 5-11 180 Harrisburg, Pa. Harrisburg
Clinton Granger QB So. 6-3 235 Philadelphia, Pa. George Washington / Pierce College
Kenneth Harper SS Fr. 6-0 215 Gainesville, Fla. Buchholz
Tyron Harris WR Jr. 6-3 195 Lindenwold, N.J. Lindenwold / Pierce College
Chris Hutton DB Fr. 5-10 185 Sicklerville, N.J. Paul VI
Cory Johnson DT Fr. 6-3 285 Chambersburg, Pa. Chambersburg Area
Eric Lofton OL Fr. 6-5 280 Lumberton, N.J. Rancocas Valley
Praise Martin-Oguike LB Fr. 6-1 220 Sewaren, N.J. Woodbridge
Jacob Quinn OL Fr. 6-5 245 Wilmington, Del. St. Marks
Spencer Reid RB Fr. 5-10 205 Villanova, Pa. Harriton
Raysean Richardson LB Fr. 6-1 210 Chesapeake, Va. Oscar Smith
Nate Smith # LB Fr. 6-0 220 Highland Park, N.J. Highland Park / Fork Union
Hershey Walton * # OL Fr. 6-4 320 Reading, Pa. Reading / Fork Union
Khadeem Wilson DE Fr. 6-3 240 Jersey City, N.J. St. Anthonys
* Mid-year transfers
# signed with Temple in 2010
Signee Biographies
Robbie Anderson
Wide Receiver Freshman 6-3 180
Davie, Fla. South Plantation HS
High School: Three-year letterwinner that played wide receiver and safety for coach Doug Gatewood at South Plantation HS
also returned kicks
finished prep career with 42 receptions for 545 yards and six touchdowns
as a junior, had 39 receptions for 477 yards and six touchdowns
selected Temple over Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Marshall.
Personal: Born May 9, 1993, in New Jersey
mother is Kim Schubert
would like to study psychology.
Nainy Bah
Wide Receiver Freshman 6-2 184
Clinton, Conn. The Morgan School
Pronounced NINE-ee baah
High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back for coach Mike Eagle at The Morgan School
as a senior, had 49 receptions for 724 receiving yards and seven touchdowns
also had 29 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown at running back
had 29 tackles and two interceptions at defensive back
2009 All-Pequot League honoree
as a junior, rushed for more than 1,000 yards
ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash speed
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
also participated in indoor track and field for the Huskies.
Personal: Nainy Bah
born August 6, 1992 in Sierra Leone, Africa
mother is Bilkisu Bah
has an older sister Aminata (26)
interested in social work.
Antonio Belt
Wide Receiver Freshman 6-0 170
Forestville, Md. Forestville Military Academy Fork Union Military Academy
Originally signed a National Letter of Intent with Temple in February 2010.
Postgraduate: Played wide receiver for coach John Shuman during the 2010 season at Fork Union
helped the Cadets to a 6-2 record
fellow FUMA teammates Nate Smith and Hershey Walton are Temple signees.
High School: Three-star prospect by Scout.com and Rivals.com
played quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback for coach Charles Harley at Forestville Military Academy
as a senior, rushed for 414 yards, had 448 yards passing, and had 403 receiving yards and three touchdowns
as a junior, had 11 touchdown receptions
as a sophomore, had four touchdowns and returned two interceptions
also played basketball.
Personal: Born December 3, 1990
mother is Stephanie Belt
intends to study sports management.
Brandon Chudnoff
Linebacker Freshman 6-2 228
Philadelphia, Pa. George Washington HS
High School: Played tight end and defensive end for coach Ron Cohen at George Washington HS
rated the 33rd best player in Pennsylvania in the Class of 2011by Rivals.com
2010 Mini Max Award winner by the Maxwell Football Club
2010 Associated Press second-team Class AAAA All-State honoree as a senior
2010 Pennsylvania Sportswriters second-team Class AAAA All-State honoree
2010 Philadelphia Inquirer first-team defense All-Southeastern Pennsylvania pick
2010 All-City honoree
2010 Public League AAAA Gold Defense All-Star
All-Combine second-team selection at the U.S. Army All-American Combine
team won three consecutive Public League championships
registered 450 tackles and 18 sacks during prep career
participated in the 2010 Chesapeake Bowl
2009 first-team coaches All-Public League selection
2009 Philadelphia Daily News third-team All-City pick
as a junior, had 10 sacks and 11 receptions for 119 yards and three touchdowns
National Honor Society member
2007-08-09 Top Achiever Award recipient from the Philadelphia Eagles
also participated in swimming and lacrosse
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
high school teammate Daquan Cooper is a fellow Temple signee.
Personal: Brandon Sergio Chudnoff
born July 13, 1992, in San Lorenzo, Paraguay
parents are Sylvita and Mike Chudnoff
volunteers with the special education dept. at George Washington HS and at the Immaculate Mary nursing home
intends to study physical therapy.
Daquan Cooper
Wide Receiver Freshman 5-10 161
Philadelphia, Pa. George Washington HS
Pronounced DAY-qwahn
High School: Two-way athlete for coach Ron Cohen at George Washington HS
2010 Associated Press second-team Class AAAA All-State honoree as a senior
2010 Pennsylvania Sportswriters second-team Class AAAA All-State honoree
2010 Public League AAAA Gold Offense All-Star
played wide receiver and defensive back
also returned punts and kickoffs
as a senior, had 24 receptions for 426 yards and six touchdowns
participated in the 2010 Chesapeake Bowl
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
high school teammate Brandon Chudnoff is a fellow Temple signee.
Donte Dotson
Wide Receiver Freshman 5-8 170
Deerfield Beach, Fla. Deerfield Beach HS Milford Academy
Postgraduate: Played wide receiver for one season for coach Bill Chaplick at Milford Academy
had 41 receptions for 693 yards and five touchdowns during the 2010 season
averaged 16.9 yards per reception
also rushed 12 times for 131 yards
earned coaches offensive player of the game accolades twice and specialist of the game once.
High School: Played quarterback for coach Adam Ratkevich at Deerfield Beach HS
2009 first-team Sun-Sentinel All-County honoree
two-time Miami Herald first-team All-County selection as an athlete
as a senior, rushed for 1,026 yards and passed for 1,068 yards and 11 touchdowns while leading the Bucks to the district title
team finished the regular season at 7-3.
Personal: Born August 21, 1990.
Personal: Mother is Monique Cooper ... intends to study sports management.
Malcolm Eugene
Wide Receiver Junior 6-4 205
Huntington, N.Y. Elwood-John Glenn HS ASA College
Enrolled at Temple in January
has three seasons to play two
originally signed a National Letter of Intent with Hofstra in February 2009.
Junior College: A 2010 JUCO All-American
three-star prospect by Rivals.com
played two seasons at Brooklyns ASA College for coach Dennis Orlando
2010 first-team All-Conference honoree
helped team to back-to-back 7-3 records
as a sophomore in 2010, had 49 receptions for 898 yards and eight touchdowns
participated in the 2010 Triumphant Sports Junior College All-American game ... as a freshman in 2009, had 21 receptions for 335 yards and five touchdowns
ASA teammate Jerry Watters is also a Temple Owl.
High School: Played for coach Dave Shanahan at Elwood-John Glenn HS
saw action at wide receiver and defensive end for the Knights
All-State and All-County honoree
team finished 11-1 his senior year in 2008.
Personal: Malcolm Armand Eugene
born July 2, 1991, in Huntington Station, N.Y.
guardian is Ingrid Gordon
kinesiology major.
Jalen Fitzpatrick
Quarterback Freshman 5-11 180
Harrisburg, Pa. Harrisburg HS
High School: Played quarterback for coach George Chaump at Harrisburg HS
2010 Pennsylvania Sportswriters Class AAAA first-team All-State quarterback
2010 first-team Harrisburg Patriot-News All-Star
selected to play in the 2011 Pennsylvania Big 33 game
finished prep career with 3,075 yards passing and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 1,675 yards and 16 TDs
helped Harrisburg to a 9-3 overall record and a perfect 6-0 conference record as a senior in 2010
as a senior, went 98-of-179 for 1,743 yards and 17 touchdowns
also rushed for 1,116 yards
also played basketball.
Personal: Born August 2, 1993
parents are Donza and Joseph (stepfather) Cobb and Keino Fitzpatrick.
Clinton Granger
Quarterback Sophomore 6-3 235
Philadelphia, Pa. George Washington HS Pierce College
Will have three seasons of eligibility.
Junior College: Played quarterback for coach Efrain Martinez at Pierce College in Los Angeles
2010 second-team All-Pacific Conference selection
in 2010, passed for 1,176 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 200 yards and five touchdowns
redshirted as a true freshman
selected Temple over Florida International, Minnesota, and North Texas.
High School: Played quarterback for coach Ron Cohen at George Washington HS.
Personal: Born and raised in Philadelphia
nickname is Juice
mother is Felicia Granger
has an older sister Tierra Granger (24) and a niece Riyanna Davis (2).
Kenneth Harper
Safety Freshman 6-0 215
Gainesville, Fla. Buchholz HS
High School: Played fullback and safety for coach Jay Godwin at Buchholz HS
participated in the 2010 Orlando Nike Combine, earning All-Combine honors as an athlete
two-time first-team Gainesville Sun All-Area honoree
as a senior, had 133 tackles, including 81 solos, two interceptions, and 10 break-ups
as a junior, rushed 32 times for 240 yards and had 20 receptions for 333 yards
also had 91 tackles, including 63 solo takedowns, five TFL, 10 break-ups, and two interceptions
also played basketball
Buchholz teammate TE Louis Addazio plays at Syracuse.
Personal: Born January 30, 1993
son of Ingrid Lucas and Kenneth Harper, Sr.
intends to study engineering.
Tyron Harris
Wide Receiver Junior 6-3 195
Lindenwold, N.J. Lindenwold HS Pierce College (Calif.)
Pronounced TIE-rahn
Has three seasons to play two.
Junior College: Played two seasons for coach Efrain Martinez at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif.
received his associates degree in December 2010
helped the Bulls to an 8-3 record en route to a win in the American Championship Bowl
as a sophomore in 2010, had 38 receptions for 708 yards and six touchdowns while playing all 11 games ... 2009 second-team All-Conference honoree
as a freshman, had 32 receptions for 603 yards and seven touchdowns
participated in the Elite Combine as a junior
became the second Division I-A player to come out of Lindenwold HS, joining Dell Robinson who played at Navy
attended the 2008 Temple Football Camp
selected Temple over Hawaii, New Mexico State, and Wisconsin.
High School: Played wide receiver and safety for coach Derryk Sellers at Lindenwold HS
played in the 2008 Adam Taliaferro Foundation All-Star Football Classic.
Personal: Born September 17, 1991
mother is Robin Harris
intends to study communications.
Chris Hutton
Defensive Back Freshman 5-10 185
Sicklerville, N.J. Paul VI HS
High School: Played wide receiver and cornerback for coach John Doherty at Paul VI HS
as a senior, had 32 tackles, four interceptions, and a sack to help Paul VI finish 8-2 overall and win the West Jersey Football League Constitution Division title
offensively, had 14 receptions for 301 yards and two touchdowns
had six tackles in the title-clinching victory over Camden Catholic
attended the 2010 Nike Combine
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
selected Temple over Rutgers.
Personal: Born April 14, 1993
parents are Lisa and Glenn Hutton
has a younger sister
three maternal uncles-- Steve, Tim, and Ron Israel-- played collegiate football
DB Steve, who played college ball at Pittsburgh, was a second round NFL pick and played in the NFL for 10 seasons
Tim played wide receiver and ran track at Temple (1991-95)
safety Ron played at Notre Dame
intends to study business.
Cory Johnson
Defensive Tackle Freshman 6-3 285
Chambersburg, Pa. Chambersburg Area HS
High School: Played for coach Mark Saunders at Chambersburg Area HS
moved from defensive end to tackle as a senior 2010 second-team All-Conference selection
2010 first-team Public Opinion Online All-Star
as a senior, had 101 tackles, 24 TFL, and three sacks
had a season-high 18 tackles against Central Dauphin
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
also participated in track and field
finished eighth in the shot put at the 2010 PIAA Track and Field Championships.
Personal: Cory Bernard Johnson
born April 10, 1991, in Columbia, S.C.
nickname is C.J.
parents are Carl and Angela Johnson
has three brothers-- Carlton (20), Cabet (6), and Chris
likes to sing
intends to study criminal justice.
Eric Lofton
Offensive Lineman Freshman 6-5 280
Lumberton, N.J. Rancocas Valley HS
High School: Played tight end and offensive tackle for coach Dan Haussman at Rancocas Valley HS
as a senior, had two receptions for 21 yards
also wrestled at heavyweight for the Red Devils
also recruited by Villanova and Rutgers.
Personal: Born March 6, 1993
mother is Lynette Lofton.
Praise Martin-Oguike
Linebacker Freshman 6-1 220
Sewaren, N.J. Woodbridge HS
Pronounced oh-GEEK-way
High School: Played linebacker and tight end for coach Brian Russo at Woodbridge HS
as a senior, had 112 tackles and 12 sacks
as a junior, had 90 tackles, two sacks, two blocked punts, and a blocked field goal
also participated in track and basketball
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
also recruited by Rutgers, Connecticut, and Cincinnati.
Personal: Praise Martin-Oguike
born August 30, 1993
parents are Ngozi Martin-Oguike and Dr. Martin Oguike
has two younger brothers-- Percy and Pleasant.
Jacob Quinn
Offensive Lineman Freshman 6-5 245
Wilmington, Del. St. Marks HS
High School: Team captain
played offensive and defensive tackle for coach John Wilson at St. Marks HS
2010 Delaware High School State Lineman of the Year
2010 and 2009 first-team All-State honoree
helped the Spartans to a perfect 12-0 record as a senior in 2010 en route to the state championship
three-year starter
as a senior, had 66 tackles and nine sacks ... 2009 first-team All-Conference honoree for offense line
selected to the 2009 Football Leadership Council
played right tackle as a sophomore
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
also recruited by Delaware and Maryland.
Personal: Jacob Stephen Quinn
born September 20, 1992
nickname is Jake
mother is Kathleen Quinn ... has a brother Joseph
interested in physical therapy.
Spencer Reid
Running Back Freshman 5-10 205
Villanova, Pa. Harriton HS
High School: Played running back and linebacker for coach Matt Barr as a senior at Harriton HS
2010 second-team All-Main Line honoree
played tailback at St. Josephs Prep as a sophomore and junior
as a junior, finished as the second-leading rusher for the Hawks with 416 yards and six touchdowns on 65 carries while playing in only six games
averaged 6.4 yards per carry and over 69 yards per game
had a career game to remember against Archbishop Ryan, running for 176 yards and scoring four touchdowns
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp.
Personal: Parents are Tammy and Andy Reid
father is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles
has two older brothers-- Garrett and Britt-- and two older sisters-- Crosby and Drew Ann
brother Britt is a junior at Temple and a student assistant coach with the Owls.
Raysean Richardson
Linebacker Freshman 6-1 210
Chesapeake, Va. Oscar Smith HS
High School: Four-year starter at outside linebacker for coach Rich Morgan at Oscar Smith HS
two-time All-Tidewater selection
2010 Southeastern District Defensive Player of the Year
team went 52-4 during his prep career
finished with 300 career tackles
as a senior, had 106 tackles and eight sacks
selected Temple over Connecticut, Illinois, and Syracuse.
Personal: Raysean Leandre Richardson
born January 24, 1992
mother is Tina Richardson
grandmother is Audrey Richardson.
Nate Smith
Linebacker Freshman 6-0 220
Highland Park, N.J. Highland Park HS Fork Union Military Academy
Originally signed a National Letter of Intent with Temple in February 2010.
Postgraduate: Played running back and linebacker for coach John Shuman during the 2010 season at Fork Union
helped the Cadets to a 6-2 record
fellow FUMA teammates Antonio Belt and Hershey Walton are Temple signees.
High School: Four-time All-Division honoree
2009 Player of the Year
three-time All-State, three-time All-GMC Conference and three-time All-Area honoree
2009 first-team coaches All-Public League selection
four-year letterwinner for coach Rich McGlynn at Highland Park HS
team won four divisional championships and played in the 2009 state championship game
during his prep career, recorded a school record 378 tackles, including 131 as a senior
rushed for more than 3,700 yards
as a senior, rushed for 2,442 yards and 32 touchdowns
as a junior, had 92 tackles, including 14 TFL
played in the North/South All-Star game
also a three-year letterwinner in basketball
lettered in track and field
attended the 2009 Temple Football Camp.
Personal: Nathaniel Davun Smith
born May 30, 1991, in New Brunswick, N.J.
parents are Kathy Smith and Ernest Harrison
siblings are John L.J. Smith and Alicia Smith
brother is currently a free agent tight end, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round in 2003 and played there for six seasons (2003-08), and played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2009
cousin is fellow Temple Owl Taray Carey.
Hershey Walton
Offensive Lineman Freshman 6-4 320
Reading, Pa. Reading HS Fork Union Military Academy
Enrolled at Temple in January
originally signed a National Letter of Intent with Temple in February 2010.
Postgraduate: Played defensive tackle for coach John Shuman during the 2010 season at Fork Union
helped the Cadets to a 6-2 record
fellow FUMA teammates Antonio Belt and Nate Smith are Temple signees.
High School: Played offensive line and defensive line for coach Preston McKnight at Reading HS
2009 first-team All-Lancaster Lebanon League honoree on offense and defense
participated in the East-West Berks Senior Voices All-Star game and the Pennsylvania Bowl
2009 Philadelphia Eagles Top Achiever Award recipient
high school teammate was Owl Darryl Pringle
also played basketball
participated in track and field
2010 Berks County All-Division honoree in track
2010 Andy Stopper Memorial Award recipient
attended the 2009 Temple Football Camp.
Personal: Hershey Walton
born December 12, 1991, in Reading, Pa.
parents are Brooke and Hershey Walton
has two sisters-- Lucaya (21) and Malei (17)
Berks County Food Bank volunteer
likes to cook
interested in becoming a chef
business management major.
Khadeem Wilson
Defensive End Freshman 6-3 240
Jersey City, N.J. St. Anthonys HS
High School: Played tight end and defensive end for coach Sean Fallon at St. Anthonys HS
attended St. Anthonys as a freshman, sophomore, and senior
transferred to Marist in Jersey City for junior year
2009 first-team All-North Jersey Tri-County Conference honoree on both offense and defense
as a junior, had 36 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown
attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp
also played basketball.
Personal: Born September 9, 1991
mother is Linda Wilson
sister is Khadijah Williams.
Courtesy of Temple Athletics |