As His First Pro Day Comes To A Close, Drayton Finally Realizes What Makes Temple Football So Unique.
Written By: Max Dinenberg
Photo Courtesy of: @TempleFB on Twitter
On Thursday, March 24, Coach Stan Drayton talked to the media about his first pro day as the head coach. From that media availability, it became evident to Drayton why the Temple community is special.
“That pro day was amazing for me,” Drayton said. “Seeing these former single digits puts a realistic version of what this place is.”
On Wednesday, Temple hosted its NFL pro day where players ran drills such as a 40-yard dash, broad and vertical jump, bench press and various other drills you would see at the combine. 12 players from this past season participated and some former Owls who later transferred, also came back to campus to participate. One of those, in particular, was former starting quarterback Anthony Russo who played last season at Michigan State after spending five years within the Temple program.
“This is truly a special place,” Drayton said. “To see former players come back and support their teammates [that] the genuine love they have for each other and this program. I am very fortunate to be at a place like this where people genuinely care.”
While Drayton did not get to coach the players who participated in the pro day yesterday, it was still a special day for him as he continues to fully immerse himself within the Temple community. As he tries to bring his flair and culture to this team and program, there are still foundational pieces in place that have made this program what it is today.
“I’ve always seen [this program] from the outside in, I’ve always wanted to be here. It is truly a special place.”
The Owls will continue on with their Spring Practice schedule over the next couple of weeks. They are back on the field at Edberg-Olsen Hall on Sunday to wrap up the week. To finish out Spring camp, the program will hold the Cherry and White game at Edberg-Olsen on April 9.
Next week the media will have a chance to hear from Drayton’s staff as Offensive Coordinator Danny Langsdorf, Defensive Coordinator D.J. Eliot and Special Teams Coordinator Adam Scheier will all have a chance to speak to the media for the first time.
To hear Drayton’s full press conference, click below.
