Stewart named Temple's starting QB

PHILADELPHIA – Temple head coach Al Golden announced his updated depth chart as well as his class of expected redshirts for the fall on Monday.


Chester Stewart (Hanover, Md.) was anointed as the starting quarterback for the 2010 football season.

“I informed the team earlier today that we are naming Chester Stewart as our starting QB,” Golden said. “Indeed we will continue to cultivate an organization where competition exists at every position, and the Quarterback is no exception. However, it’s apparent to the staff and perhaps more significantly his teammates, that after two weeks of training camp, Chester has unmistakably distinguished himself as the starting QB both on and off the field.”

Stewart, a redshirt junior is a preseason All-MAC selection by Phil Steele’s College Football. He has started seven games under center-- four in 2009 and three as a redshirt freshman in 2008. Stewart finished the 2009 season going 26-of-65 for 514 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two touchdowns.

“Chester left our last scrimmage completing 70% of his passes, and we feel extremely confident in his ability to move our team,” added offensive coordinator Matt Rhule. “He has demonstrated poise, maturity, and production throughout camp.”

Stewart will be backed up by redshirt freshman Chris Coyer (Oak Hill, Va.) and redshirt junior Mike Gerardi (Parsippany, N.J.).

The class of 25 players expected to redshirt includes:

Sean Boyle, Terrance Brown, Chris Burrell, Taray Carey, Joe Cenatiempo, Brian DiGiovanni, Mike Doty, Matt Falcone, Gregory Gadson, Bret Gillespie, Marquise Goods, Elijah Grant, Tyler Johnson, Jake Lane, Adam Metz, Wanemu Omuso, Anthony Petrucci, Brett Pierce, Connor Reilly, Anthony Robey, Byron Rutherford, Abdul Smith, Dante Weaver, Jeff Whittingham, and Ryan Woods.

Junior OL Sean Boyle (shoulder), sophomore LB Matt Falcone (ACL), and redshirt sophomore WR C.J. Hammond (knee) each suffered season-ending injuries.

Temple football’s annual FanFest will be held on Wednesday, August 25 at Lincoln Financial Field’s Head House Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. The Owl players and coaches will be greeting fans and signing autographs.

Temple opens the 2010 season on Friday, Sept. 3 with Villanova at 5 p.m. in the second annual Mayor’s Cup at Lincoln Financial Field.

Temple football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $90, and can be purchased by calling the Temple Ticket Office at 215-204-8499. Fans are encouraged to visit www.OwlsTix.com for full season ticket pricing information.

You can review Temple's entire depth chart by banging the link.