Temple signs 27

PHILADELPHIA (2/1/12) – The Temple University Football Program, under the leadership of second-year head coach Steve Addazio, signed 27 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

Geographically, the states best represented in the Owl class are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Fourteen student-athletes list their hometowns in the Keystone state, while six hail from the Garden state. Eight signees are from Southeastern Pennsylvania, including seven from the Philadelphia metro area.

Additionally, four signees call Maryland home; two signees come from Florida and one from Virginia.

Temple’s 2012 recruiting class is ranked No.1 in the Mid-American Conference by Rivals.com. The top ranking is the Owls’ fourth, also earning the distinction in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Twenty of the 27 high school signees attended the Temple Football Camp (74 %).

Additionally, QB Kevin Newsome (Chesapeake, Va.) signed as a transfer student.

Freshmen WR James Whitfield (Ft. Myers, Fla.) and LB Tyler Matakevich (Stratford, Conn.) enrolled in classes in January 2012 and have been added to the 2011 signing class.

The Owls begin spring practice on March 12 in preparation for their sixth season of Mid-American Conference play in 2012. The squad’s annual Cherry & White spring game is slated for Saturday, April 14.  Temple (9-4, 5-3 MAC in 2011) returns 38 letterwinners, including nine starters, for the 2012 season.


2012 Temple Football National Letter of Intent Signees

Name                                  Pos.       Elig.      Ht.      Wt.           Hometown                         High School / Other
Shahbaz Ahmed                 DL         Fr.       6-3      220          Lindenwold, N.J.               Paul VI
Samuel Benjamin              WR        Fr.       6-0      195          Baltimore, Md.                  Mount Saint Joseph
Romond Deloatch             WR        Fr.       6-4      213          Hampton, Va.                    Phoebus
Rob Dvoracek                     LB         Fr.       6-2      220          Fogelsville, Pa.                  Parkland
Avery Ellis                            LB         Fr.       6-2      225          Montclair, N.J.                   Montclair
Michael Felton                   DB         Fr.       6-0      190          Hanover, Pa.                     South Western
Kyle Friend                         OL         Fr.       6-2      300          Carlisle, Pa.                        Cumberland Valley
Jamie Gilmore                    RB         Fr.       5-8      185          Ocala, Fla.                          North Marion
Nathan Hairston                WR        Fr.       6-0      176          Frederick, Md.                  Gov. Thomas Johnson
Khalif Herbin                     ATH        Fr.       5-7      158          Montclair, N.J.                   Montclair
Matt Ioannidis                    DL         Fr.       6-4      245          Ringoes, N.J.                      Hunterdon Central
Michael Kalaman                LB         Fr.       6-3      220          Casselberry, Fla.               Trinity Prep
Raymond Korang               OL         Fr.       6-7      296          Mount Holly, N.J.              Rancocas Valley
Stephaun Marshall            DB         Fr.      5-11    181          Montclair, N.J.                   Montclair
Tyler Matakevich  $           LB         Fr.       6-1      220          Stratford, Conn.                St. Joseph’s / Milford Academy
Brendan McGowan           OL         Fr.       6-4      288          Barnesville, Pa.                 Marian Catholic
Shakur Nesmith                 WR        Fr.       6-4      186          Philadelphia, Pa.               Imhotep Charter
Kevin Newsome #             QB        R-Jr.     6-2      231          Chesapeake, Va.               Hargrave Military Academy / Penn State
Bret Niederreither            DL         Fr.       6-3      265          Etters, Pa.                          Red Land
Bryan Osei                          DL         Fr.       6-2      225          Abington, Pa.                    Abington
Brandon Peoples               RB         Fr.      5-10    180          Abington, Pa.                    Archbishop Wood
Averee Robinson               DL         Fr.       6-1      285          Harrisburg, Pa.                  Susquehanna Twp.
Damiere Shaw                    DB         Fr.      5-11    170          Crum Lynne, Pa.               Cardinal O’Hara
Brandon Shippen               DB         Fr.      5-11    175          Norristown, Pa.                 Norristown Area
Nate L. Smith                      DB         Fr.       6-1      183          Philadelphia, Pa.               Archbishop Wood
Kiser Terry                          DL         Fr.       6-3      234          Feasterville, Pa.                Neshaminy
James Whitfield $             WR        Fr.       6-1      190          Ft. Myers, Fla.                   North Ft. Myers / Hargave Military Acad.
Alkwan Williams                 LB         Fr.       6-1      210          Johnstown, Pa.                  Greater Johnstown Senior
Avery Williams                  ATH        Fr.      5-10    198          Baltimore, Md.                  Archbishop Curley
Tavon Young                       DB         Fr.      5-10    159          Oxon Hill, Md.                   Potomac


# Transfer student
$ Mid-year transfers; signed with Temple as part of 2011 class


Pronunciation Guide
Shahbaz Ahmed                       SHA-bazz Ah-med
Romond Deloatch                    Ruh-MOND Da-loh-tch
Rob Dvoracek                            Duh-VOOR-check
Matt Ioannidis                           I-an-NYE-dis
Bret Niederreither                  NEED-er-rider
Bryan Osei                                  Oh-say
Tavon Young                              TAY-von


Signee Biographies


Shahbaz Ahmed
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-3 • 220
Lindenwold, N.J. • Paul VI HS

High School: Three-year letterwinner at defensive end for coach John Doherty at Paul VI HS … also saw action at offensive line and linebacker … 2011 first-team All-Parochial Defensive Team selection … 2011 first-team All-Conference pick … team won three consecutive conference championships (2008-10) … as a senior, had 57 tackles, six sacks, and a forced fumble for the Eagles … 2010 second-team All-Conference selection … 2010 Honorable Mention All-Parochial Team pick … as a junior, had 63 tackles and 10 sacks … participated in the 2011 Chesapeake Bowl … Honor Roll student … volunteered with Special Needs Basketball in Cherry Hill … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Connecticut, Iowa, and Western Michigan.

Personal:  Shahbaz Ahmed, Jr. … born June14, 1994, in Lindenwold, N.J. … parents are Tonya Ahmed and Shabaz Ahmed, Sr. … uncle Willie Whitehead was a walk-on football player at Auburn before an eight-year career at DE with the New Orleans Saints … intends to become a pharmacy major.


Samuel Benjamin
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 6-0 • 195
Baltimore, Md. • Mount Saint Joseph HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Scout.com … played wide receiver for coach Blake Henry at Mount Saint Joseph HS … 2011 Private School All-State honoree … two-time All-MIAA conference selection … named to the Super 22 Team … also saw action at quarterback, cornerback, kick returner and punt returner … as a senior, had 40 receptions for 700 yards and seven touchdowns … as a junior, had more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns … played for the Baltimore All-Stars in the 2011 Crab Bowl … participated in the 2011 BTC All-Star Game … two-year letterwinner in track and field … 2011 All-MIAA in track … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Marshall, Massachusetts, and Ohio.

Personal:  Samuel Benjamin … born February 1, 1993, in Baltimore, Md. … guardian is uncle Reggie Gresham … has two older brothers-- Simon (27) and Joseph (25)-- and an older sister Sara (20).


Romond Deloatch
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 6-4 • 213
Hampton, Va. • Phoebus HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals.com … played wide receiver and linebacker for coach Stan Sexton at Phoebus HS … … helped Phoebus to four consecutive VHSL Division 5 state championships … as a senior, had five receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns in the 2011 state championship game … 2010 All-District honoree … team went a perfect 15-0 in 2010 … as a junior, caught 24 passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns  … had six catches for 125 yards and a touchdown in the state championship game alone … selected to the 2012 U.S. Under-19 Team that will participate in the International Bowl … selected Temple over Virginia Tech.

Personal:  Romond Deloatch … born February 12, 1993 … parents are Wanda and Romeo Deloatch.




Rob Dvoracek
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-2 • 220
Fogelsville, Pa. • Parkland HS

High School: Two-year team captain … played fullback and linebacker for coach Jim Morgans at Parkland HS … 2011 first-team PIAA 4A All-State honoree at running back … 2011 first-team EasternPAFootball.com All-State pick on defense … 2011 Morning Call first-team All-Area at linebacker … 2011 first-team Lehigh Valley Conference All-Star at linebacker … 2011 Lehigh Valley Conference Defensive MVP … 2011 Joe Gerenscer MVP Award winner as MVP of the Parkland-Whitehall game … Trojans finished the 2011 season at 9-2, advancing to the district semifinals … finished prep career with 2,221 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns on 320 carries and 236 tackles, nine sacks and four forced fumbles with two recoveries on defense … as a senior, had 1,246 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 161 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per carry … also had eight receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown … defensively, had 89 tackles, four sacks, 13 TFL, and 12 hurries … as a junior, had 674 rushing yards and nine touchdowns … as a sophomore, rushed for 147 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries in the District 11 Class 4A semifinal win over East Stroudsburg South … defensively, had 95 tackles, eight TFL, 12 pressures, and a forced fumble … also a three-year letterwinner in basketball … 2009 Sixth Man Award recipient … Honor Roll student … named to the Lehigh Valley Conference Student Athletic Council ... attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Buffalo, Connecticut, and Illinois.

Personal:  Robert Wayne Dvoracek … born March 14, 1994, in Allentown, Pa. … parents are Kathy and John Dvoracek … has an older sister Jenn (22) … loves to cook.


Avery Ellis
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-2 • 225
Montclair, N.J. • Montclair HS

High School: Played linebacker and tight end for coach John Fiore at Montclair HS … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger second-team All-Group 4 honoree … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger second-team All-Essex County pick … 2011 All-Conference and All-Section honoree … team advanced to the NJSIAA North I Group 4 final against North Bergen … finished 2011 season at 11-1 overall …  team won the 2011 SEC conference championship … finished prep career with 169 tackles … as a junior, had 84 tackles … also participated in track and field … Honor Roll student … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Massachusetts and Miami.

Personal:  Avery Malcolm Ellis … born October 3, 1994, in Newark, N.J. … parents are Lisa Hunter and Byron Ellis … has three younger sisters-- Britney (13), Christine (7), and Danyelle (5) … Montclair HS teammates Khalif Herbin and Stephaun Marshall are also Temple signees … the trio grew up together in the same neighborhood … plays the piano … intends to study kinesiology.



Michael Felton
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-0 • 190
Hanover, Pa. • South Western Senior HS

High School: Selected to play in the 2012 Big 33 Game at safety … played running back and safety for coach Don Seidenstricker at South Western Senior HS … also punted, returned kicks and played wide receiver … 2011 York Daily Record & York Dispatch Division I Player of the Year … 2011 All-Area Player of the Year … 2011 York Dispatch first-team All-Conference … 2011 Hanover Evening Sun first-team All-Area pick on offense and defense … All-Area Team honoree at running back, safety, and punter … first Mustang to receive a Division I football scholarship in more than a decade … team won the district championship his senior and sophomore seasons … set six schools records, including career scoring (302 points), career touchdowns (47), and career TD receptions (16) … in prep career, rushed for 1,876 yards on 258 carries, had 1,156 receiving yards, and 47 touchdowns … defensively, had 192 tackles, 23 break-ups, and seven interceptions … as a senior, had 1,447 yards of total offense, rushed for 1,038 yards on 142 carries, had 409 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns … defensively, had 92 tackles, 11 break-ups, three interceptions … set the season records for scoring (156 points), touchdowns (25), and punting average (41.5) … had five touchdowns against William Penn in his last home game … 2010 York Daily Record and York Dispatch first-team All-Conference at running back and defensive back …  2010 Hanover Evening Sun first-team All-Area on defense … 2009 Hanover Evening Sun second-team All-Conference at wide receiver … as a sophomore, invited to Schuman’s National Underclassman Combine … attended Nike training camp … four-year letterwinner in track and two-year letterwinner in basketball … All-Conference honoree in track … second-team All-Conference in basketball … Honor Roll student … participated in the 2010 Nike Combine, 2010 Under Armour Combine, and the 2009 Top Prospect Combine ... volunteered at youth football and basketball camps… attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Maryland.

Personal:  Michael James Felton … born December 3, 1993, in Gettysburg, Pa. … parents are Jacki Ernst and Michael Felton … has a younger brother Maeson (10) … cousin Raymond Felton, who played basketball at North Carolina (2002-05), now plays for the Portland Trailblazers … plans to major in kinesiology.


Kyle Friend
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-2 • 300
Carlisle, Pa. • Cumberland Valley HS

High School: Selected to play in the 2012 Big 33 Game … two-way lineman for coach Tim Rimpfel at Cumberland Valley HS … 2010 and 2011 Associated Press All-State selection …. 2011 Harrisburg Patriot-News first-team All-Area pick … 2011 Mid-Penn All-Conference selection and Defensive Player of the Year … team won back-to-back district championships in 2009 and 2010 … as a senior, played offensive guard … also had 70 tackles on defense … started at defensive tackle and guard as a junior … as a junior, had 95 tackles … as a sophomore, started on the defensive line … also wrestled at heavyweight for three seasons … had  a 27-5 record as a junior, placing fourth in the district …Honor Roll student every semester … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Massachusetts and Rutgers.

Personal:  Kyle Allen Friend … born April 3, 1994, in Harrisburg, Pa. … parents are Cindy and Mitch Friend … has an older brother Travis (20) and younger sister Renae (16) … brother is a sophomore at Bucknell where he is two-time All-Conference fullback … intends to study business.


Jamie Gilmore
Running Back • Freshman • 5-8 • 185
Ocala, Fla. • North Marion HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals.com … two-year team captain … played running back for coach Craig Damon at North Marion HS … ranked the No. 9 all-purpose back by Rivals.com … two-time first-team All-State honoree … all-time all-purpose yards leader for Marion County (ahead of Dante Culpepper) … finished prep career as North Marion’s career leader in touchdowns … as a senior, had 1,866 rushing yards, averaging 8.1 yards per carry … in playoff game against Fivay, scored all four of team’s touchdowns on just 13 carries for a 28-0 shutout … finished the game with 162 yards., averaging 12.4 yards per carry … District MVP as a junior … selected Temple over Marshall, Maryland, South Florida, and Western Kentucky.

Personal:  Jamie Gilmore, Jr. ... born Sept. 3, 1993 … parents are Rometha and Jamie Gilmore, Sr. … has two brothers-- Eddie Rocker and Tyron Gilmore … Eddie is a sophomore defensive back at Florida A&M … interested in business.


Nathan Hairston
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 6-0 • 176
Frederick, Md. • Gov. Thomas Johnson HS

High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back for coach Ben Wright at Governor Thomas Johnson HS … attended the 2011 Chicago Nike Combine … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp.

Personal:  Nathan Hairston … nickname is Nate … born June 30, 1994 … parents are Robinette and Nathan Hairston.


Khalif Herbin
Athlete • Freshman • 5-7 • 158
Montclair, N.J. • Montclair HS

High School: Played quarterback and wide receiver for coach John Fiore at Montclair HS … also returned kicks … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger Offensive State Player of the Year …2011 All-State honoree … 2011 first-team All-SEC Conference selection …  team advanced to the NJSIAA North I Group 4 final against North Bergen … finished 2011 season at 11-1 overall …  team won the 2011 SEC conference championship … became the school’s all-time leader in career touchdowns with 70 … set the single-season record for touchdowns scored … as a senior, rushed for 1,940 yards and 43 touchdowns on 139 carries … averaged 13.1 yards per carry … also a two-year member of the track team … 2010 second-team All-County pick for the 100m dash and the 200m dash … member of Brother to Brother Club … member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Arizona.

Personal:  Khalif Amir Herbin … born September 30, 1993, in Newark, N.J. … parents are Linda Jones and Antoine Tucker … has two brothers-- Eric (25) and Malik (16)-- and a sister Khadijah (18) … Montclair HS teammates Avery Ellis and Stephaun Marshall are also Temple signees … the trio grew up together in the same neighborhood … loves to write poetry and draw … would like to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.


Matt Ioannidis
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-4 • 245
Ringoes, N.J. • Hunterdon Central Regional HS

High School: Team captain … three-year letterwinner at defensive end for coach Matthew Perotti at Hunterdon Central Regional HS … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger Defensive second-team All-State selection … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger first-team All-State Group 4 honoree …MSG Varsity All-New Jersey selection … 2011 Courier News All-Area pick … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger All-West Jersey honoree … Hunterdon Democrat All-County selection … 2011 Mid-State 39 Coaches All-Conference pick … 2011 HC Bradshaw Coach’s Award recipient … Red Devils won three consecutive Mid-State 39 Delaware Division Conference championships (2009-10-11) … as a senior, had 101 tackles, including 65 solo stops and 14 TFL, eight sacks, three fumble recoveries, a blocked punt, and a touchdown … in 2010, team was the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association North Jersey Section 2, Group 4 finalist … 2010 Courier News All-Area selection … 2010 Newark Star-Ledger All-West Jersey pick … 2010 Hunterdon Democrat All-County selection … 2010 Mid-State 39 Coaches All-Conference honoree … as a junior, had 41 tackles … 2009 All-West Jersey and All-Conference honoree … also played lacrosse as a sophomore … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Boston College, Buffalo, and Massachusetts.

Personal:  Matthew J. Ioannidis … born January 11, 1994, in Marlton, N.J. … mother is Betsy Ioannidis … has two brothers-- Andrew (19) and Kevin (16) … would like to pursue a career as a professional trainer … plans to study kinesiology.




Michael Kalaman
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-3 • 220
Casselberry, Fla. • Trinity Prep School

High School: Four-year starter for coach Drew Nemec at Trinity Prep … played linebacker, defensive end, and tight end for the Saints … Orlando Sentinel Super 60 Team … 2011 Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-District 11 honoree at linebacker… 2011 Touchdown Club honoree … in career, had 335 tackles, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three blocked kicks … as a senior, had 94 tackles and four sacks … also scored two touchdowns … played offensive tackle as a freshman … participated in the 2012 Central Florida All-Star Game … also played lacrosse … participated in the shot put, discus, and long jump for the track team … three-year Honor Roll student … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp.

Personal:  Michael Kalaman … born November 16, 1993, in Altamante Springs, Fla. … parents are Brenda and Mike Kalaman … has an older sister Heather (20) … plans to major in finance.


Raymond Korang
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-7 • 300
Mount Holly, N.J. • Rancocas Valley HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals.com … played offensive tackle for coach Dan Haussman at Rancocas Valley HS … 2011 Philadelphia Inquirer second-team All-South Jersey … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Louisville.

Personal:  Raymond Korang … born September 20, 1993 … parents are Deborah and David Korang.


Stephaun Marshall
Defensive Back • Freshman • 5-11 • 181
Montclair, N.J. • Montclair HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Scout.com … played running back and safety for coach John Fiore at Montclair HS … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger Defensive second-team All-State selection … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger first-team All-Group 4 honoree … 2011 Newark Star-Ledger first-team All-Essex County pick … team advanced to the NJSIAA North I Group 4 final against North Bergen … finished 2011 season at 11-1 overall …  2011 SEC conference championship … as a senior, rushed for 1,13 yards, averaging 8.5 yards per rush … also had 110 tackles … played linebacker as a junior … also ran track … Honor Roll student … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Maryland and Massachusetts.

Personal:  Stephaun Anthony Marshall … born June 17, 1994, in Montclair, N.J. … parents are Janet Mino and Robert Marshall … has two older brothers-- Tarik Mino (28) and Jaron Mino (23)-- and an older sister Angelica Mino (22) … Montclair HS teammates Avery Ellis and Khalif Herbin are also Temple signees … the trio grew up together in the same neighborhood.

Tyler Matakevich
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-1 • 220
Stratford, Conn. • St. Joseph’s HS • Milford Academy

Postgraduate: Ranked  No. 38 in the country by 247Sports … also ranked the No. 10 recruit in the state of New York and the No. 5 outside linebacker … played linebacker for coach Bill Chaplick at Milford Academy for one season .

High School: Graduated in 2011 … played linebacker and running back for coach Joe Della Vecchia at St. Joseph’s HS … 2011 All-State honoree at linebacker … helped the Cadets to a 10-2 record his senior season en route to back-to-back state championship titles … 2010 Connecticut Post Male Athlete of the Year … set the school record for touchdowns in a game with five against Trumball as a junior … also played baseball … 2010 first-team Connecticut Post All-Star … 2010 All-FCIAC honoree … led the team as a junior with a.372 batting average, 32 RBI, and five homeruns.

Personal:  Tyler John Matakevich … born December 22, 1992 … parents are Kim and David Matakevich.


Brendan McGowan
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-4 • 288
Barnsville, Pa. • Marian Catholic HS

High School: Played offensive guard for coach Stan Dakosty at Marian Catholic HS … three-year letterman … PFN Class A first-team All-State honoree … first-team Eastern Conference Small School selection … two-year letterman in baseball … track team member as a junior … four-year member of Student Council … two-year member of Future Business Leaders … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Connecticut.

Personal:  Brendan McGowan … born July 9, 1993, in Hazelton, Pa. … parents are Timothy & Donna McGowan and Michele Martz (mother) … has three older brothers-- Jason (35), John (32), and Quinn (21)-- and two older sisters-- Sarah (24) and Colleen (23) … loves to play golf.


Shakur Nesmith
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 6-4 • 186
Philadelphia, Pa. • Imhotep Institute Charter HS

High School: Played wide receiver, safety, and kicker for coach Marc Wilson at Imhotep Institute Charter HS …
Panthers advanced to the 2010 Public League championship game, his junior season … as a junior, had 107 receiving yards and a touchdown on five receptions … averaged 69.5 yards per catch … defensively, had two interceptions while helping Panther defense hold opponents to 12.1 points per game … also played basketball for the Panthers … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp.

Personal:  Shakur Nesmith … born June 25, 1994 … parents are Sharon and Mike Nesmith … plans to major in physical therapy.


Kevin Newsome
Quarterback • Redshirt Junior • 6-2 • 231
Chesapeake, Va. • Hargrave Military Academy • Penn State

Transfer student.
College: Spent three seasons at Penn State before transferring to Temple.
2011: Redshirted.
2010: Played in six games … went 6-of-13 for 78 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.
2009: Played in 10 games … one of eight true freshmen to see action … completed 8-of-11 passes (72.7) for 66 yards … on the field for 50 snaps.

High School: One of the nation's top prep quarterbacks for coach Robert Prunty at Hargrave Military Academy … ranked the  No. 10 quarterback in the nation by Scout.com … rated him among the Top 40 prep players in the nation by Rivals.com … selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American game … as a junior at Western Branch HS in Chesapeake, threw for more than 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns and ran for more than 500 yards and 11 scores … captain of the track and field team … All-American sprinter … accomplished sprinter and hurdler … two-time hurdles state champion … ranked No. 5 in the nation … finished 10th at the Virginia state championships as the only freshman in the field … compiled a 3.7 grade-point average … president of his junior class … National Honor Society member.

Personal:  Kevin Leonardo Newsome, Jr. … born January 21, 1991, in Portsmouth, Va. … parents are Theresa and Kevin Newsome, Sr. … has an older brother Tory and younger brother Keevon … father was a running back at Saint Paul's College … avid piano player … communications major.




Bret Niederreither
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-3 • 265
Etters, Pa. • Red Land HS

High School: Three-star recruit by Scout.com … played defensive tackle and offensive guard for coach Chad Weaver at Red Land HS … helped the Patriots to the District 3-AAA semifinals in 2011 … participated in the 2011 Chesapeake Bowl … selected Temple over Georgia Tech, Kent State, and West Virginia.

Personal:  Bret Niederreither … born August 3, 1993 … parents are Kim and Mike Niederreither.


Bryan Osei
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-2 • 225
Abington, Pa. • Abington HS

High School: Played defensive end, tight end, and offensive tackle for coach Tim Sorber at Abington HS … moved to offensive tackle as a senior … 2010 first-team All-Area … team won the conference championship his junior season … team captain of freshman team … also wrestled … as a junior, went 39-6, won the PIAA District I Class AAA Section 3 title, and placed fifth in the Southeast Region championships … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Buffalo and Massachusetts.

Personal:  Bryan Osei … born November 25, 1993 … parents are Grace and William Osei … has two older brothers-- Will and Dave-- and a younger brother Justin … Will played football at Muhlenburg … Dave is a junior center at Rutgers … interested in psychology.


Brandon Peoples
Running Back • Freshman • 5-10 • 180
Abington, Pa. • Archbishop Wood HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Scout.com … played running back and defensive back for coach Steve Devlin at Archbishop Wood HS for two seasons … 2011 Sports Illustrated All-American … 2011 first-team All-State honoree … 2011 and 2010 first-team All-Catholic League pick … Vikings won 2011 state championship and four consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League titles … finished prep career with 2,190 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns … as a senior, rushed for 1,013 yards and 21 touchdowns … participated in the 2011 Under Armour Combine … played sophomore season at Abington HS … selected Temple over Connecticut, Pittsburgh, and Wisconsin.

Personal:  Brandon A. Peoples … born January 6, 1993, in Indiana, Pa. … parents are Charles and Yolanda Peoples and Wadeea Hines (mother)… has two brothers-- Charles Peoples (21) and Nasir Peoples (12)-- and a younger sister-- Charde Hines (17) … father played football at IUP (1989-92) .. uncle Darrien Peoples played at Kutztown (1993-96) … Wood teammate Nate Smith is also a Temple signee … interested in communications/business.


Averee Robinson
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-1 • 285
Harrisburg, Pa. • Susquehanna Township HS

High School: Played defensive tackle for coach Joe Headen at Susquehanna Township HS … 2011 Harrisburg Patriot-News first-team Defensive All-Star … as a junior, had 46 tackles and eight sacks … also wrestled … won the 2011 PIAA wrestling championship in the 285-pound division … attended the 2010 Temple Football Camp … selected Temple over Connecticut and Syracuse.

Personal:  Averee Robinson … born October 17, 1993 … parents are Terry and Adrian Robinson, Sr. … older brother is former Temple Owl and three-time first-team All-MAC DE Adrian Robinson (2008-11).



Damiere Shaw
Defensive Back • Freshman • 5-11 • 170
Crum Lynne, Pa. • Cardinal O’Hara HS

High School: Selected to play in the 2012 Big 33 Game … played defensive back and wide receiver for coach Danny Algeo at Cardinal O’Hara HS … three-year starter … two-time first-team All-Catholic League honoree … 2011 first-team All-Delaware County pick … 2011 first-team All-City selection … as a senior, had five interceptions and scored 22 touchdowns … as a junior, rushed for 216 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries … also caught nine passes for 265 yards and four touchdowns … participated in the Chesapeake Bowl … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … volunteered with the Feed the Hungry Program … selected Temple over Buffalo.

Personal:  Damiere Shaw … born June 7, 1994, in Chester, Pa. … mother is Tammy Weathers … has five brothers-- David (27), Darryl (26), Dennis (22), Raheem (22), and Dion (18)-- and five sisters-- Kaheira (32), Kamyra (30), Tamyra (28), Talaya (26), and Tamika (24) … intends to study business.


Brandon Shippen
Defensive Back • Freshman • 5-11 • 175
Norristown, Pa. • Norristown Area HS

High School: Played running back and cornerback for coach Ernest Smith at Norristown Area HS … also returned kicks …
2011 AAAA Honorable Mention All-State at defensive back … 2011 first-team Suburban One Conference at running back and defensive back … Honorable Mention Southeastern PA at defensive back … first-team All-Area … in his career, had 61 tackles, seven interceptions, 2,074 rushing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 439 receiving yards … as a senior, had 1,200 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, 184 receiving yards, three interceptions, and 20 tackles … as a junior, rushed for 760 yards and had 15 receptions … team won the Suburban One Conference championship his sophomore season with a 9-1 record … also a three-year letterwinner in track for the Eagles …2011 second-team Suburban One Conference in the 100 meters (10.80) and 200 meters (22.1) … placed fourth in the 2011 state championship in the 4x100 … placed sixth in the 100 meters in the 2011 district championship …  attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Navy.

Personal:  Brandon Alexander Shippen … born May 17, 1994, in Philadelphia … parents are Yvonda Shippen and Douglas Bowsky … has four brothers-- Vonte Shippen (21), Devin Bowsky (17), Dars Bowsky (11), and Joshua Bowsky (8)-- and two sisters-- Nya Shippen (10) and Liyah Bowsky (9) … former high school teammates Anthony Robey, Ikeem Boyd, and Khalif Wyatt (basketball) are Temple Owls.


Nate L. Smith
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-1 • 183
Philadelphia, Pa. • Archbishop Wood HS

High School: Played safety and wide receiver for coach Steve Devlin at Archbishop Wood HS … also returned punts … team won the 2011 state championship game against Bishop McDevitt … team captured the District 12 Class AAA city championship over Dobbins with a 49-0 shutout … had two TDs in the game, a 62-yard punt return and a 30-yard TD reception … named MVP of the 2011 Chesapeake Bowl … returned opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown … selected Temple over Michigan State, South Carolina, Toledo, and West Virginia.

Personal:  Nate Lee Smith … born May 12, 1993 … father is Nate Parquett … Wood teammate Brandon Peoples is also a Temple signee.



Kiser Terry
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-3 • 234
Feasterville, Pa. • Neshaminy HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Rivals.com … selected to play in the 2012 Big 33 Game and the 2011 Chesapeake Bowl … team captain … played defensive end and tight end for coach Mark Schmidt at Neshaminy HS … 2011 PA Football News Honorable Mention All-State honoree … 2011 EasternPAFootball.com Honorable Mention All-State selection … 2011 Philadelphia Inquirer first-team All-Southeastern PA pick … 2011 Suburban One first-team All-Conference honoree … 2011 Neshaminy Mr. Lineman coaches’ award recipient … 2010 second-team All-Conference selection … Redskins went 12-2 in 2010, his junior season, and advanced to the District 1 AAAA championship game … as a junior, had 47 tackles, including 40 solo stops, a team-best six sacks, and three forced fumbles… selected Temple over Iowa, Rutgers, and Villanova.

Personal:  Kiser Terry … born August 11, 1993 … mother is Betty Terry.


James Whitfield
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 6-1 • 190
Ft. Myers, Fla. • North Ft. Myers HS • Hargrave Military Academy

Postgraduate: Ranked No. 39 in the country by 247Sports … ranked No. 27 recruit in Virginia and No. 7 wide receiver in the nation … played one season for coach David Tavenner at Hargrave Military Academy … selected Temple over Indiana and Tennessee.

High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back for coach Sammy Sirianni at North Ft. Myers HS … missed most of his junior season with a knee injury … also excelled at basketball.

Personal:  James Jabbar Whitfield … born May 21, 1992 … mother is Katrina Carter.


Alkwan Williams
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-1 • 210
Johnstown, Pa. • Greater Johnstown Senior HS

High School: Three-star prospect by Scout.com … played linebacker and wide receiver for coach Robert Kraemer at Greater Johnstown Senior HS… four-year starter … 2011 first-team Class AAA All-State honoree … three-time first-team Tribune-Democrat All-Area Team selection … helped the Trojans to the 2010 District 6 AAA championship … as a junior, had 137 tackles and five sacks … also had 25 receptions for 516 yards and eight touchdowns … had a season-high 12 tackles against Forest Hills in the regular-season finale … as a sophomore, had 113 tackles and a team-high nine sacks … Honorable Mention Tribune-Democrat All-Area Team selection as a freshman … selected Temple over Pittsburgh.

Personal:  Alkwan Lamar Williams … born April 23, 1993 … parents are Kimberly and Chuck Wyatt.


Avery Williams
Athlete • Freshman • 5-10 • 198
Baltimore, Md. • Archbishop Curley HS

High School: Played running back, wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive back for coach Sean Murphy at Archbishop Curley HS … 2011 Private School All-State honoree … 2011 Baltimore Sun second-team All-State … 2011 All-MIAA B Conference pick … 2011 Baltimore Sun second-team All-Metro selection … as a senior, rushed for 1,325 yards and 12 touchdowns … had 76 tackles, 10 break-ups, and eight sacks … also had 1,586 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns … also an All-State, All-Metro, and All-Conference selection in wrestling … All-Conference and All-Metro honoree in track … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Duke.

Personal:  Avery A. Williams … born September 2, 1994 … parents are Willinette and Anthony Williams.



Tavon Young
Defensive Back • Freshman • 5-10 • 159
Oxon Hill, Md. • Potomac HS

High School: Played defensive back and wide receiver for coach Ronnie Crump at Potomac HS … 2011 All-Met Defense selection … 2011 first-team All-League … 2011 Chick-fil-A Challenge All-Star … helped the Washington All-Stars to a 14-6 win over Baltimore in the 2011 Crab Bowl … 2010 first-team All-State honoree … 2010 All-County selection … 2010 first-team All-League … as a junior, had 31 tackles, 12 break-ups, seven interceptions, and a fumble recovery … had three touchdowns on a interception return, fumble recovery, and punt return … had 35 receptions and nine receiving touchdowns … attended the 2011 Steve Addazio Football Camp … selected Temple over Marshall.

Personal:  Tavon Antonio Young … born March 14, 1994 … parents are Tawana Jackson and Tony Young.


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FAST FACTS

Across State Lines
The 2012 Class represents five states-- Pennsylvania (14), New Jersey (6), Maryland (4), Florida (2), and Virginia (1).  All but two of the signees live within 200 miles (or less) to campus.

Home Grown Talent
Fourteen new Temple Owls call Pennsylvania home.

Gone Camping
Twenty of the 2 high school signees attended the Temple Football Camp (74 %).

Quick Hits
-- Three signees hail from the same high school.  Known as the Montclair trio, Avery Ellis, Khalif Herbin, and Stephaun Marshall grew up together in the same neighborhood and have been lifelong friends.

-- DL Averee Robinson is the younger brother of three-time first-team All-MAC DE Adrian Robinson (2008-11).

-- Ten signees played in All-Star Games following their senior season. Four-- Michael Felton, Kyle Friend, Damiere Shaw, and Kiser Terry-- will participate in the 2012 Big 33 Game on June 16 at Hersheypark Stadium.

-- The Temple roster now sports two players with the name Nate Smith.  Redshirt freshman Nate D. Smith (Highland Park, N.J.) is a linebacker who joined the Owls in 2011.  Nate L. Smith (Philadelphia, Pa.) is a defensive back in the 2012 signing class.