Following Temple’s astonishing 2015 season that saw the team go 10-2 on its way to the inaugural AAC Championship Game against the Houston Cougars, the Owls lost several key players, as collegiate squads do each year.
The Owls were hit especially hard, however, losing three team captains in linebacker Tyler Matakevich, defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and offensive guard Kyle Friend.
Heading into the 2016 season, one of the biggest responsibilities for the coaching staff is to identify new on-field leadership.
With a few solid options waiting in the wings, quarterback P.J. Walker should be one of those given strong consideration for the title of team captain.
Walker continued his development as a dual-threat signal caller in 2015, completing 245-of-432 passes for 19 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He also added two more scores on the ground, running the ball 81 times for a total of 207 yards (a 2.6 yards-per-carry clip).
Additionally, the quarterback proved to be one of the most durable Owls on the field, finishing the season as one of only three players to start every game.
Walker’s durability and penchant for protecting the rock provided Temple with a consistency at the most important position on the field that most programs can only dream of. And when paired with one of the nation’s top defensive units, this is often a recipe for success.
I mean, come on now.
https://youtu.be/0nJPUzJnD9E
Walker played a big role in Temple’s first win over in-state rival Penn State University in 74 years, completing 75 percent of his passes, and threw for a career-high 391 yards in a narrow 25-23 victory over UMass. He also tallied a four-touchdown performance in a 60-40 romp over SMU.
In just a few short years, Walker has established himself as one of the most prolific passers in program history, setting new school records for passing yards (2,972) and total offense (3,179). He is also Temple’s all-time leader in TD passes (52) and completions (601).
And Walker is not finished dazzling yet.
I am a big believer in studying and analyzing statistical trends over time and upon review of Walker’s numbers from his sophomore and junior campaigns, he is in for a solid senior year.
In 2014, Walker completed 53.3 percent of his passes for 2,317 yards with 13 TDs and 15 INTs. His junior year saw a significant leap in each of these categories.
With another solid season under center, Walker has the chance to eclipse Henry Burris’ career marks in passing yards and attempts. He could also become the first Owls quarterback to lead the team to multiple bowl game appearances.
His ability on and off the field (he is also a model student in the classroom) helps set Walker apart from the rest of the pack.
At the end of the day, however, these are all just words. Walker will have to prove me right and continue to play at a high level, as the Owls will only go as far as his dependable play will take them.
Regardless of what is to come, Walker has earned the right to be named a 2016 team captain, further cementing his place in team history.
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