Panagos has options on Temple's defensive line, including a WR
Temple held its sixth session of preseason camp Wednesday afternoon at Chodoff Field. Defensive line coach Jim Panagos and defensive linemen were made available to reporters at the conclusion of practice.
As was the case Sunday, redshirt junior Frank Nutile took the first team snaps at quarterback, while true freshman Todd Centeio worked with the third team unit.
The first team offensive line consisted of Cole Boozer (left tackle), Brian Carter (left guard), Matt Hennessy (center), Adrian Sullivan (right guard) and Jaelin Robinson (right tackle). Redshirt senior Leon Johnson, who started in all 14 games at right tackle last season, did not participate in the open portion of practice. Johnson is recovering from offseason surgery, which forced him to miss spring practice.
While Collins has told reporters on multiple occasions that redshirt senior receiver Keith Kirkwood has seen work at defensive end, Panagos was not willing to comment on a potential edge rusher addition.
“I haven’t heard anything about Keith Kirkwood playing defensive line,” Panagos said with a smile. “I don’t know where that’s coming from.”
When asked about Kirkwood again, Panagos said he “(does not) coach Keith Kirkwood.”
“I coach the defensive line,” he said.
Redshirt junior defensive tackle Freddie Booth-Lloyd said he has been impressed from what he has seen from Kirkwood at defensive end.
“He’s a war daddy,” Booth-Lloyd said. “He’s a dog. Welcome to the family.”
The Collins-led coaching staff has stressed “position flexibility” since spring practice. Booth-Lloyd said he has seen time at tight end.
Collins has also mentioned the idea of Johnson seeing time as a defensive end. Booth-Lloyd said Johnson received some practice reps as a defensive end.
“He came to me and asked for some tips,” Booth-Lloyd said of Johnson.
Redshirt sophomore defensive end Dana Levine figures to be one of Temple’s top edge rushers this season as the Owls look to replace first-round pick Haason Reddick and Praise Martin-Oguike, who is with the Miami Dolphins. He credits Reddick, Martin-Oguike and Avery Ellis with helping him develop.
“I learned everything I know,” Levine said. “I learned how to study. I learned how to put in that extra work. They just taught me everything.”
The Owls also have high expectations for redshirt freshman defensive tackle Dan Archibong, who was tagged as “the next Matt Ioannidis” by former head coach Matt Rhule during Temple’s 2015 National Signing Day event.
“When he came (to Temple), he knew everything,” Levine said of Archibong, who turned down late interest from Northwestern. “He picked up everything so fast. For him, it was just applying it to the game and playing fast with it.”
Archibong, a member of the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team, has also impressed Panagos.
“He’s got a great coach-me attitude,” Panagos said. “He takes coaching. You can say something one time and he can take it from the board to the field. I’m really excited about Dan’s growth and where he’s going.”
The Rhule-led regime had difficulties keeping Archibong off the field last season.
“It was a week to week thing,” Archibong said.
Rhule ultimately held back from playing Archibong last season – except for a brief appearance in Temple’s blowout victory over Charlotte. The Springfield (Pa.) High School product made multiple road trips, including the Owls’ visit to Penn State. He ended up utilizing the redshirt year as he waited behind a crowded defensive front.
Extra points
During the open portion of practice, offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude was pushing for tempo and no huddle sets. Patenaude was also utilizing redshirt senior fullback Nick Sharga.
Does Panagos have a starting defensive line group in his head?
“No, I don’t have a starting defensive line right now,” Panagos said. “I’m not really concerned about that. I’m concerned about getting better every practice. That’s going to take care of itself when we go to play Notre Dame.”
Redshirt freshman running back Tyliek Raynor was still on crutches, as he was on Friday. “We don’t talk about (injuries),” Collins told reporters Sunday when asked about Raynor’s status.
Thursday is Temple Night at The Phillies, where Hooter will throw out the first pitch. Collins will field questions from reporters around 5:45 p.m.
The next open practice for reporters will be Friday, which starts at 9:25 a.m. Tight ends coach/special teams coordinator Ed Foley, running backs coach Tony Lucas and tight ends and running backs will be made available to reporters after practice.