Temple will re-enter the Big East in 2012, and there is little optimism that the Owls will immediately be successful. They do, however, have a talented offense and an experienced defense.
The Owls will need to replace four offensive linemen, an unenviable task for head coach Steve Addazio. The biggest concern at this point will be depth and experience on the offensive line -- especially with the backfield of playmakers Temple possesses.
Offensive line: With only a single returning starter from last season's team, several spots on the offensive line were up for grabs in spring practice. Senior right tackle Martin Wallace is the only returning starter, and according to the depth chart released last month, he will be sophomore Jaimen Newman at right guard and redshirt freshman Zach Hooks at right tackle. Again, depth is a concern, with very few upperclassmen listed as backups. Juniors Scott Roorda and Evan Regas sit behind Newman and Hooks respectively and could push their way into more action.
Running back: The competition between Matt Brown and Montel Harris is less a controversy than a luxury. Harris, a transfer from Boston College, had huge seasons in 2009 and '10 before being granted a medical redshirt in 2011. Harris was poised to have a huge year at BC, and now he and Brown will try to be offensive catalysts for the Owls. If Harris is back to full strength and plays to his potential, he could have a huge season in Philly.
Wide receiver: Jalen Fitzpatrick came to Temple prior to last season as a quarterback. He was then moved to the slot in the spring before being switched again -- to running back -- during the season. He's a receiver again, though he is a threat all over the field. He and Ryan Alderman are battling for the starting spot, but either way coach Steve Addazio has said that Fitzpatrick will be key in the offense. Alderman, a junior, has just 12 career catches.
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