Seven Temple players sign as UFA

PHILADELPHIA  – Seven Temple Owls have signed rookie free agents contracts with NFL teams, bringing the Owls’ total NFL signees for 2012 to 10, tying the largest class in school history.

The following have reportedly signed:

                OL - Pat Boyle (Towson, Md.), Detroit Lions
                DE - Morkeith Brown (Harrisburg, Pa.), Tampa Bay Buccaneers
                OL - Derek Dennis (Peekskill, N.Y.), Miami Dolphins
                LB - Stephen Johnson (Norristown,?Pa.), New Orleans Saints
                DE - Adrian Robinson (Harrisburg, Pa.), Pittsburgh Steelers
                WR - Rod Streater (Burlington, N.J.), Oakland Raiders
                OL - Wayne Tribue (York, Pa.), Denver Broncos

All were a part of the winningest four-year class in school history.  They became the first class in school history to be bowl eligible in three consecutive years. They won more conference games than any other class in school history. They recorded three consecutive winning seasons and out-scored opponents in four straight seasons.  These 19 seniors were also the first Owls in school history to participate in two bowl games and became the first class to win a bowl game in 32 years.

Temple’s 2012 class of signees—three Draftees and seven rookie free agents—ties the school record class of 10 set in 2011.

During the 2012 NFL Draft, RB Bernard Pierce (Ardmore, Pa.) was selected in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens, TE Evan Rodriguez (North Bergen, N.J.) was selected in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears, and LB Tahir Whitehead (Newark, N.J.) was selected in the fifth round by the Detroit Lions.

The trio ties the school record for the most Owls drafted in a single year.  Three Temple Owls were also drafted in 1946, 1975, 1980, and 1987.

Temple opens the 2012 season with Villanova in the fourth annual Mayor’s Cup, sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, on Friday, August 31 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Temple football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $99 and can be purchased by calling the Temple Ticket Sales Office at 215-204-8499 or visit www.OwlsTix.com.