Temple's Dennis to play in East-West Shrine game

PHILADELPHIA  – Temple OL Derek Dennis has been selected to play in the 87th East-West Shrine Game on January 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla.   The game will be televised on the NFL Network, kicking off at 4 p.m. ET from Tropicana Field.

Dennis joins an elite list of football greats, including John Elway, Tom Brady, Brett Favre, and 62 NFL Hall of Famers, who have played in the East-West Shrine Game along with 52 players currently on active NFL rosters.

 “The East-West Shrine Game has always fielded players among college football’s best,” said East-West Shrine Game Executive Director Harold Richardson. “With all 32 NFL teams represented by GMs, coaches, and scouts during game week, our players have the terrific opportunity to showcase their talents and get their first glimpse of life in the NFL … ‘Just Like on Sunday’.”

In 2011, Dennis helped Temple to a 9-4 overall record, including a 37-15 win over Wyoming in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.  He started all 13 games at left guard, one of nine Owls to start every game.  The Owls’ offensive line combined for 135 starting appearances. Providing great protection, the o-line gave up no sacks in four games while helping the team to season records for rushing yards (3,335), rushing attempts (636), rushing touchdowns (38), and total touchdowns (50).

 The 6-5, 328-lb., four-year starter graduated in August 2011 with a degree in journalism.

 Dennis is the seventh Temple Owl to participate in the prestigious game since 1940 and the first since DT Antwon Burton’s appearance in 2005. Last season, safety and second round NFL Draft pick Jaiquawn Jarrett participated in the Senior Bowl.