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5 Things We’ve Learned From 2015 Temple Football Spring Practice

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Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

5 Things We Have Learned From 2015 Temple Spring Practice

Hooter, Temple fans,
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Information from Temple football’s spring practices has been coming out sparingly due to media availability coming only on Tuesdays since practice opened on Mar. 23. Still, former Owl players have been invited to attend all of the practices and have provided running commentary on social media of what is happening inside the million Edberg-Olson Complex. Here are five things we've learned from Temple's spring practice.

5. Ventell Bryant Could Be The Second Coming

Robbie Anderson, Temple,
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ventell Bryant Could Be The Second Coming

Robbie Anderson, Temple,
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a little over a year since Robbie Anderson (pictured) flunked out of school, and the Owls have been looking for the second coming of Anderson ever since. They need a prototype 6-foot-3, 190-pound receiver who has the height to catch the ball in traffic and the speed and moves to do something after coming down with it. Bryant, a recruit out of Florida, has proven to be that guy this spring.

4. Offensive Line Improved

Temple offensive line,
John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

4. Offensive Line Improved

Temple offensive line,
John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

The Owls redshirted several top-notch prospects a year ago, including their only four-star offensive line recruit, Aaron Ruff, and that move appears to have paid off. It better, because the Owls could lose their second-best lineman, tackle Dion Dawkins, due to his involvement in an off-campus fight. Another starter, Jacob Quinn, transferred to FCS Delaware.

3. Competition at Quarterback

P.J. Walker, Temple,
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

3. Competition at Quarterback

P.J. Walker, Temple,
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

When quarterback P.J. Walker experienced a sophomore slump a year ago, the Owls really had no backup option. Now, in highly-regarded Connecticut prep star Logan Marchi, they do, and Marchi has been seen leading second team in scrimmages. Marchi has been referred to as a poor man’s Johnny Manziel without the off-the-field problems. His availability has snapped Walker, who is having a great spring, out of his doldrums.

2. Kareem Ali’s Jr.’s Kickoff Returns

Kareem Ali, Jr., Temple,
Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kareem Ali’s Jr.’s Kickoff Returns

Kareem Ali, Jr., Temple,
Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

Ali, a four-star recruit who graduated from high school early just to participate in spring football, has moved to first-team kickoff returns, and he has been a human highlight reel in an area of weakness for the Owls a season ago. If Ali (No. 17 above) can handle both the punt and kickoff returns, Temple should start drives in much better shape than a year ago.

1. H-Back Featured

Matt Ryan, Glenn Thomas, Atlanta Falcons,
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. H-Back Featured

Matt Ryan, Glenn Thomas, Atlanta Falcons,
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There appears to be a shift in offensive philosophy with head coach Matt Rhule’s hire of former Atlanta Falcons QB coach Glenn Thomas (pictured) to help current OC Marcus Satterfield shape the offense. Gone are the empty backfields that made Walker a sitting duck and arriving is an H-back — hybrid fullback and tight end — who can be used both as QB protection and a safety valve receiver should things break down.

Mike Gibson is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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