Palmer named Temple football radio analyst

PHILADELPHIA – Former Temple running back Paul Palmer will have a new job this fall.

The former All-American will provide color analysis for the Temple Radio Network for all football game broadcasts.

“We are thrilled to announce that arguably one of the greatest players to don the Cherry and White will join our radio team,” said Temple University Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Communications Larry Dougherty. “Paul brings a wealth of experience as a player and coach, and is familiar with our radio broadcasts.  His knowledge and familiarity with Temple Football will be a great asset in the booth.”

The 2013 season marks Palmer’s return to radio.  He served as the Owls’ sideline reporter for four seasons (2001-04). Palmer replaces 1974 Maxwell Award winner Steve Joachim, who had to step aside following 13 years as the color analyst for Temple Football due to increased work commitments with his full-time position.

“I am extremely excited about being back at Temple. I’ve missed it,” Palmer said. “My family and friends are excited, too.  I look forward to working with (Temple play-by-play talent) Harry Donahue.  I can’t wait.”

A unanimous first-team All-American in 1986, his senior season, Palmer led the nation in rushing yards (1,866), rushing yards per game (169.6) and all-purpose yards (2,633) that season. Named 1986 ECAC Player of the Year, Palmer set 23 school records and remains the Owls’ career leader in rushing attempts (935), rushing yards (4,895), 100-yard rushing games (21), and 200-yard rushing games (6).

Palmer finished second in the 1986 Heisman Trophy race to Miami QB Vinny Testaverde.

A native of Potomac, Md., Palmer was a first round draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs where he led the AFC in kickoff return average (24.3 yards per attempt) as a rookie and rushed for 607 yards in two seasons.

Palmer, who resides in Lawnside, N.J., has served as an assistant football coach at Haddon Heights High School for the last seven seasons.

“I am thrilled that Paul Palmer will join me this season in the booth covering Temple football,” said Harry Donahue, who enters his 19th season as the Owls’ play-by-play caller. “Back in 1984 my first Temple broadcast was at East Carolina and then sophomore running back Paul Palmer led the Owls to a win over the Pirates. Paul had a fabulous record setting career at Temple, and I’m looking forward to his insight as he describes a new generation of Temple football.”

All 12 of Temple’s football games will hit the airwaves with WPHT 1210 AM serving as the flagship station.

Under first-year head coach Matt Rhule, Temple opens the 2013 season at Notre Dame on August 31. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC.  The home/American Athletic Conference opener with Houston is slated for Sept. 7 at Noon at Lincoln Financial Field.