Thoughts On Depth Chart

John Christopher

John Christopher

For the longest time, the only depth chart accessible on Owlsports.com–Temple University’s official athletic website–was the one released prior to the Memphis game of last year.

That was a long time ago.

In the last couple of days, though, a pre-game one for Vandy (9:15 p.m., Thursday, SEC Network) was released and here are at least a couple of thoughts from this end. If John Christopher’s ankle injury suffered in Monday’s practice keeps him out, that’s probably one of the worst injuries the Owls could have because he is not only a starting wide receiver, but a snapper on both punts and placements. (The backup snapper is a true freshman.)

Even though the Owls have four new OL starters, they should be in good shape because a lot of those guys saw plenty of time last year and did well. Somewhat surprised to see Averee Robinson listed as second team, but Hershey Walton is a very good player and has the experience edge.

This year’s surprise names are starting safety Boye Aromire and backup fullback Eric Neefe. 

Hopefully, the Cherry helmets return on Thursday night.

Hopefully, the Cherry helmets return on Thursday night.

Here’s the depth chart: 

OFFENSE

Left Tackle: Dion Dawkins (6-5, 315, So); Samaj Reed (6-7, 300, r-Fr)

Left Guard: Shahbaz Ahmed (6-3, 285, Jr); Aaron Ruff (6-3, 300 Fr)

Center: Kyle Friend (6-2, 305, Jr); Jacob Quinn (6-5, 295, r-Jr)

Right Guard: Brendan McGowan (6-4, 300, r-So); Leon Johnson (6-6, 300, r-Fr)

Right Guard: Eric Lofton (6-5, 300, r-Jr); Adrian Sullivan (6-5, 280, r-Fr)

Tight End: Wanemi Omuso (6-2, 255, r-Sr); Saledeem Major (6-3, 254, r-Jr)

Wide Receiver: Jalen Fitzpatrick (5-11, 185, Sr); Brandon Shippen (5-11, 185, Jr)

Wide receiver: John Christopher (5-10, 185, r-Jr); Khalif Herbin (5-7, 170, r-So)

Quarterback: P.J. Walker (6-1, 200, So); Connor Reilly (6-3, 215, r-Sr)

Running back: Kenneth Harper (6-0, 225, Sr); Jamie Gilmore (5-8, 190, Jr)

Fullback: Marc Tyson: (6-0, 230, r-Sr); Eric Neefe (5-10, 243, r-Fr)

DEFENSE

Defensive End: Praise Martin-Oguike (6-2, 250, r-Jr); Avery Ellis (6-2, 246, r-So)

Defensive Tackle: Matt Ioannidis (6-4, 285, Jr); Bryan Osei (6-2, 250, r-So)

Nose Tackle: Hershey Walton (6-4, 300, r-Jr); Averee Robinson (6-1, 285, So)

Defensive End: Sharif Finch (6-4, 240, So); Jacob Martin (6-3, 230, Fr)

Weak Side Linebacker: Tyler Matakevich (6-1, 235, Jr); Michael Felton (6-0, 215, Jr)

Middle Linebacker: Nate D. Smith (6-0, 235, r-Jr); Stephaun Marshall (5-11, 205, r-So)

Strongside Linebacker: Avery Williams (5-10, 210, r-So); Zayd Issah (6-3, 205, So)

Left Cornerback: Anthony Robey (5-10, 190, R-Sr) OR Anthony Davis (5-11, 180, Fr)

Right Cornerback: Tavon Young (5-10, 174, Jr) OR Sean Chandler (5-11, 180, Fr)

Free Safety: Alex Wells (6-0, 200, Jr); Nate L. Smith (6-1, 185, r-So)

Strong Safety: Boye Aromire (6-0, 200, r-Jr); Jihaad Pretlow (5-11, 190, So)

SPECIAL TEAMS:

Placekicker: Tyler Mayes (6-2, 215, r-Jr) OR Austin Jones (5-10, 190 Fr); Jim Cooper (6-1, 195, So)

Punter: Mayes OR Perry Colby (6-2, 180, r-Jr)

Kickoff: Cooper; Jones

Holder: Reilly; Christopher

Long Snapper: Christopher; Corey Lerch (5-10, 200, Fr)

Punt Returner: Herbin; Christopher, Smith, Nate L.

Kickoff Returner: Herbin, Thomas, Shippen