Defensive Line

Temple University tackle Andre Neblett has been showing why he was named most-improved defensive player after the 2007 spring practices.

The sophomore has four sacks, one broken-up pass and a forced fumble in five games this season. Plus, he’s the fifth leading tackler with 23 total tackles this season.

Neblett isn’t the only Owl racking up sacks. Junior tackle Terrance Knighton has helped pressure the quarterback with three sacks and a quarterback hurry.

With two juniors on the defensive line, the unit is the Owl’s most experienced defensive group.

However, Temple ranks as the No. 97 rushing defense in the nation. The Owls are allowing an average of 198.2 yards per game via the ground.

Grade: C


Linebackers

It’s all in the family if you’re a linebacker and go to Temple- unless your name is Amara Kamara.

Outside linebacker Lamar McPherson and middle linebacker Omar McDonnaugh-Hales are first cousins. Strangely enough, the two are very similar.

Both linebackers transferred to Temple. McPherson came from Syracuse, while his cousin transferred from Lackawanna College. The two are also redshirt sophomores.

Even more strange are their similar stats. Both linebackers have one sack. Hales is edging out McPherson with 4.5 tackles for a loss, compared to McPherson’s four.

And what about Kamara, the non-family member? The freshman outside linebacker is second on the team with 37 total tackles, and is also tied with Knighton and backup outside linebacker John Haley with two fumble recoveries.

Grade: B-


Secondary

Temple strong safety Dominique Harris is starting off where he left off last year — as No. 1.

The redshirt sophomore is Temples’s top returning tackler. Last year, Harris had 59 total tackles, nine less than the team high. After five games this season, the strong safety has already accumulated 39 total tackles.

Harris has also forced a fumble this season along with one pick. However, Harris isn’t the only one stopping offenses.

Cornerbacks Jamal Schulters and Anthony Ferla have combined for one interception, three tackles for a loss, three broken-up passes and a forced fumble this season.

Overall, Temple ranks as the No. 47 pass defense in the country and ranks No. 6 in the MAC.

Grade: B+


Special Teams

In five games this season, place kicker Jake Brownell has attempted five field goals,and the redshirt sophomore has made three of those. His misses has been from 34 and 45 yards. Brownell’s three field goals have been 20, 25, and 41 yarders.

The Owl’s are letting their opponents average 21.3 yards on kickoffs returned and have allowed one touchdown. By comparison, NIU is allowing 24.1 yards per kickoff return.

Temple also has Travis Shelton returning kicks. Shelton races his cousin in a 100-meter dash every year at their annual family picnic. His cousin: Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears.

Grade: B

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