Which Temple Players Have NFL Potential?

As the NFL Combine came to a close yesterday, most who are interested were wondering three things: 1. How did quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota fare? 2. Which player in the Combine had the best 40 time? and 3. Which Temple Owl looked like a first round lock?

Just kidding.

It actually isn’t likely that Temple sees any players selected in this year’s NFL Draft. Of the Temple football players who did graduate, not many of them were truly impact guys.

So instead, we look to future drafts where Temple will definitely see some talent have their name called by whatever commissioner inevitably/hopefully/regretfully replaces Roger Goodell. And to keep things fun, we’ll think of nicknames for each of them because I can’t really think of a good reason not to.

Kyle Friend – I’ve been gushing about Kyle Friend since I started writing for this website. I love him, but just as a… Friend. He’s been a workhorse starting center on an otherwise lousy offensive line. At 6’2”, 305 pounds, he’s got a low center of gravity and is the ideal size for a next level offensive lineman. If you’re in the NFL, he’s got what you need. But you say he’s just a Friend, you say he’s just a Friend.

Next year, as a senior, he’ll be playing for his draft stock and hopefully the linemen around him will step up. In fact, that gives me a great idea for a nickname. In honor of the TV show Friends, we’ll call him “The One Where Kyle Blocks and Nobody Else Does.” At this time, Friend is looking like a solid 3rd or 4th round pick with a chance to become a regular starter at the next level. And if he gets drafted to the Cowboys, he can become our Frenemy.

Tyler Matakevich – Meanwhile, Tyler Matakevich. What a beast. It’s hard to believe this Bobby Flay lookalike is as young as he is because he’s made an impact for so long. The Ginga Ninja, as nobody calls him (until now), played 14 games as a freshman, led the entire NCAA in tackles per game as a sophomore, and led the conference in tackles as a junior. As one of the best players in the AAC, Matakevich will challenge Friend as the first Temple player selected in next year’s draft.

I should write a book about Temple called 50 Shades of Cherry. Matakevich’s hair is one of those shades. Here’s to hoping the Ginga Ninja never reads this, or else you may never hear from me again.

Praise Martin-Oguike – PMO, as a nickname, lacks originality and sounds like a venereal disease. But (I can’t believe I’m saying this) he kind of plays like one. PMO caused all sorts of trouble for opposing quarterbacks and led the team in sacks this year (if your mind is in the gutter, it’s my fault.) with 7.5. He finished the year with 10.5 tackles for loss for a total of 57 yards lost. That was more than twice as much as the next guy. He also played well on special teams.

At 6’2″ he’s undersized as a traditional 4-3 defensive end and would fit better in a 3-4 as a linebacker. If he has a monster senior year, he should definitely get a look in the NFL. However, after his freshman year, PMO was arrested and faced multiple serious charges. To the NFL (and anyone else for that matter) that stuff sounds bad. And for a fringe guy at best, it sounds more like “Arena Football League.”

Matt Ioannidis – The Owls use a pretty steady rotation at defensive line but Ioannidis is as close as they’ll get to an anchor. He can pass rush a little (3+ sacks two straight years, 1.5 sacks against No. 16 ECU last year) but he’s a combo tackle known slightly more for his run stopping. Ioannidis finished fifth on the team in tackles last year with 47 and was one of five Owls to start every game last season. Listed at 6’4″ he’s got the height but at 285 pounds he will have to add some weight for the next level. However, his solid all-around play could get him a look. Oh, and as a nickname, I’m going with “Iran Nudist.” Because that’s how my phone autocorrects Ioannidis.

God help me if I ever have to interview these guys.