A couple of things were pretty apparent from the last two hours of the first day of American Conference Media Day.

One, summer is coming to a way-too-fast end. (But we sort of knew that with the shorter days and the fact that the Eagles started camp two days ago.)

Two, at least some depth chart moves are made.

Sekou Kromah wouldn’t be there if he wasn’t a first-team defensive lineman and the same can be said for quarterback Evan Simon.

That wasn’t clear a couple of weeks ago.

It was pretty clear on Thursday. Kromah was mostly second team DL in 2024 but for new head coach K.C. Keeler to bring him to media day, it must be an indication that he’s moved up the food chain.

There was a school of thought that Temple would not have brought in Gevani McCoy if he wasn’t going to be the starting quarterback. That thinking was fueled by the fact that McCoy was THE starter at Oregon State and he better fits the scheme designed by new offensive coordinator Tyler Walker.

College Football Nation caught up with both Kromah and Keeler on the first day of festivities and did a great job interviewing them. Give those guys a like and a subscription on YouTube.

However, Simon was the guy who Keeler brought to Charlotte and that says more than any scheme or fit. It says Simon has done enough to impress Keeler, particularly in the area of how hard the workouts are.

“I’d be thinking twice before the runs,” Kromah said. “We do stuff that’s worse than that (stadium runs).”

Kromah on Keeler:

“He’s a man of his word. Since he’s came in a lot of things have changed. Coach K.C., I love that he loves to win. He takes care of his players.”

The thing that makes Kromah stand apart from the rest of the D-Line is that he can play nose tackle, tackle, and end.

In fact, he’s even talked to Keeler about a goal-line offensive package.

“I can play anything. I want coach K.C. to give me a package.”

Kromah was asked what the fans should expect.

“What you all can expect is a lot of wins and a bowl game,” Kromah said. “Temple TUFF.”

Simon says:

“That was a really fun game that Utah State game,” he said. “We’re going to do it some more this year. … I’ve been in a situations where I was the backup and, I feel, with God’s plan here I am. It’s been awesome.

“Right away, within the first week he (Keeler) was there, he met with every single player. Right away, you know there’s something about him. We’re ready to win some ballgames. No more of this 3-9. We gotta start winning more games and there will be more fans.”

Then CFB Nation spoke with Keeler:

Keeler on the growth of the locker room: “We had a great recruiting class for 2026. One of the constant themes I hear from the parents and recruits is that they can tell this is a brotherhood. First thing I did I talked to every single player, 4 1/2 days. These kids love going to Temple. A lot of these guys are staying because they made a pact to get this fixed.

“Our recruiting philosophy is simple. Recruit the locker room first. We wanted to retain those best players. If you are just bringing in mercenaries, it’s hard to main a culture. We retained most of those guys.”

Keeler also established a relationship with the alumni:

“I got on a zoom with 130 football alums. You guys are always welcome. I’m just the guy who turns the lights out at night. You could tell how proud they were of the 10th and Diamond Culture, especially the Matt Rhule guys and the Al Golden guys.

“I thought this was going to be a good job. It’s a great job.”

On the season:

“It’s going to be a challenge,” he said. “I put together a great staff. It’s a real family atmosphere in our building.

“My talk with our players coming up. If you are realistic, you are playing for the wrong guy. When you work as hard as these guys have worked this summer, there’s a belief they start to get … I think that’s pressure is good. Let’s go win that bowl game. Let’s go win that conference championship.”

To fans:

“We want to go win that first game and get that thing rolling. It helps a lot more when you come out and support us.”

Monday: Biggest Turnarounds

Friday: Misconceptions