Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
Football Adds 17 from 2017 Recruiting Class
2.1.17 | Football
PHILADELPHIA – The Temple Owls announced their 2017 recruiting class of 17 student-athletes. This is the first recruiting class under new head coach Geoff Collins.
The Owls are coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons and captured the 2016 American Athletic Conference title with a 34-10 win over Navy on December 3, 2016. Collins was hired on December 14, to replace former head coach Matt Rhule who departed for Baylor.
Collins will be available to the media at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon to share his thoughts on his first recruiting class. That press conference will be available on owlsports.com later this evening.
Below is a list of the recruiting class:
Jones has already enrolled at Temple as a graduate transfer from North Carolina Central.
Centeio and Williams have also enrolled early and started classes as freshmen at Temple.
The rest are high school seniors who are expected to enroll at Temple this summer.
Collins added 10 players to a defense that, last year, ranked third nationally in yards per game (282.5), third in pass defense (152.1) 11th in scoring defense (18.4), 19th in sacks (37), 21st in third down defense (34.7), and 25th in rushing defense (130.1). He added seven players to an offense that set the school record with 5,790 yards of total offense and 453 points.
The 17 recruits come from six states, and one from Washington, D.C. A total of eight recruits come from the local states of Pennsylvania (7) and New Jersey (1), with three coming directly from the City of Philadelphia. The DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area) produced eight new Owls.
JADAN BLUE Baltimore, Md.
WR, Freshman 6-0, 175 Peddie Prep / Mt. Saint Joseph
High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back at Peddie Prep High in Hightstown, N.J., under coach Christopher Malleo … helped the Falcons get to a 6-2 record in 2016 … received first-team all-conference honors for the Mid-Atlantic Prep League and NJ first-team all-prep as a receiver … his senior season, he had 23 receptions for 457 yards and five touchdowns while only playing in five games … against Hun School, had eight receptions for 139 yards to pace the Falcons' offense, including a TD of 65 yards and a 38-yard reception to set up another score … in win over archrival Lawrenceville, scored twice - a 46-yard catch and a 62-yard punt return … had seven catches including two TD receptions in win over Wyoming Seminary … on defense, recorded a pick-six … his junior year, he finished with 47 receptions, 892 yards and nine touchdowns … transferred from Mt. Saint Joseph High in Hightstown, Md., for his senior year … earned first-team all-state honors … was a Baltimore Touchdown Club selection and participated in the MD Crab Bowl All Star Game … set the MSJ school record with a 99-yard TD reception … was a three-time 4x200 champion and first-team All-MIAA in track for three years … Personal: Born Jadan James-Edward Blue in Baltimore, Md. … parents are Lekeshia and James Blue … has two brothers, Landan (9) and Payton (4) … cousin Ladarius Webb plays for the Baltimore Ravens … plans to major in business.
CHRISTIAN BRASWELL Washington, D.C.
DB, Freshman 5-10, 161 Friendship Collegiate Academy
High School: Played cornerback and wide receiver at Friendship Collegiate Academy for coach Mike Hunter … helped lead his team to the program's first District of Colombia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) Class 2A title since 2012 … a part of a defensive unit that shutout Woodson High (13-0) in the championship game to finish 10-2 on the season … earned first-team All-USA D.C. honors in 2016 at DB … named to the 2016 Senior Under Armour Elite 100 that honors the top senior high school players in Maryland and Washington D.C. … among 44 finalists to participate in the 2016-17 Big 33 game … 2016 All-Metro honorable mention … MVP recognition at his position (DB) during the Charlotte Open Regional … two-time DCSAA Honor Roll recipient (2013-14 & 2015-16) … also competed in track and field, placing third in the 100 meter dash, clocking in at 11:40 seconds at the 2016 DCSAA State Track and Field Championships.
MALIK BURNS Marbury, Md.
DL, Freshman 6-3, 230 Lackey
High School: Played running back and linebacker/defensive end for head coach John Lush at Lackey High … 2016 All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference most outstanding player and all-conference honors at two positions as a senior when he helped the team to a 8-2 record … his accolades also included all-county player of the year, first team all-county running back, second team all-county defensive end, second team All-Met … on defense, had 68 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, 15 TFLs , four sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries … also rushed for 2,290 yards and 26 TDs on 220 carries … rushing yards led the state of Maryland in 2016 and ranked second all-time for a single-season in school history … third player to rush for over 2,000 yards in school history … was selected to play in the PG/SMAC All Star Game, the Maryland Crab Bowl, and the BIG 33 Game … recognized as an ELITE 100 Player in the State of Maryland … compiled 54 tackles, five sacks, and four fumble recoveries over his three-year varsity career … had a career-high 45 tackles in 2015 … played with current Owls' DB Cortrelle Simpson at Lackey.
TODD CENTEIO West Palm Beach, Fla.
QB, Freshman 6-1, 205 William T. Dwyer
High School: Was a quarterback for head coach Ron Jack Daniels at William T. Dwyer High … during his senior season, he threw for 2,344 yards and 31 TDs and rushed for four TDs … earned first-team Palm Beach Football 8A-6A and Sun Sentinel honors … Lou Groza award finalist … two-time Sun Sentinel Super 11 pick … made ESPN 106.3 Top-63 seniors list (#15) … spent his freshman and sophomore years at Royal Palm Beach High before transferring to Dwyer … recorded over 2,000 passing yards and 27 TDs in his two seasons at Royal Palm … led Royal Palm to an 11-2 record by registering 1,126 passing yards and 14 TDs in his sophomore season … Personal: Born Todd Anthony Centeio in Pembroke Pines , Fla. … parents are Nydia and Todd Centeio … has two sisters, Eliya Charo (23) and Taylour Centeio (17) … list of favorites include: ESPNs 30 for 30 (TV show), youth culture and public speaking (class), and Forrest Gump (movie) … majoring in business.
ARNOLD EBIKETIE Silver Spring, Md.
DL, Freshman 6-4, 200 Albert Einstein
High School: Was a three-year letterwinner for Albert Einstein High in Baltimore, Md., under head coach Mike Bonavia … as a senior, helped Einstein earn a 6-4 record while playing linebacker and wide receiver … earned 2016 co-defensive player of the year and first-team All-Sentinel honors … awarded Washington Post All-Metro honorable mention in his senior year … compiled 21.5 sacks, 36 TFLs, while catching for 298 yards and three TDs at the receiver position as a senior … racked up 9.5 sacks, 14.0 TFLs, three fumble recoveries, three pass deflections, and two blocked field goals in his junior year … also played basketball and averaged 9.7 rebounds and 6.5 points for his career as a power forward … participated in high jump and sprints in track and field … transferred from Richard Montgomery before his sophomore season … Personal: Born Arnold Kevin Ebiketie in Yaounde, Cameroon (joins William Kwenkeu, an Owls' LB, as Cameroon natives) … parents are Jean Marie Ebiketie and Guy Susanne … has two brothers, Yvan (17) and Nelly (13), and a sister Nancy (21) … plans to major in sports management.
L'JERON HOLDER Manalapan, N.J.
WR, Freshman 6-3, 202 Manalapan
High School: Played wide receiver for head coach Ed Gurrieri at Manalapan (N.J.) High … had 644 yards receiving and nine TDs combined over his junior and senior seasons … helped the Braves to an 11-1 record and a NJSIAA CJG5 championship appearance in 2016 … 2015 All-District selection for Freehold Regional High … ranked #10 on the Super 60 Shore Conference recruits in the 2017 class.
AUDLEY ISAACS Philadelphia, Pa.
LB, Freshman 6-1, 215 Valley Forge Military Academy
High School: Played running back and linebacker for head coach Mike Korom at Valley Forge Military Academy … earned second-team all-state for the PIAA Division 2A and All-Southeastern Pa. in 2016 at LB … first-team All-Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL) at RB and LB, to go along with BAL defensive player of the year honors … as a senior gained 1,123 rushing yards, and compiled 133 tackles … participated in the Blue-Gray Regional Combine … recorded 117 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks, and one forced fumble during his junior year, while scoring nine TDs on offense … led the team with 108 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore.
JEREMY JENNINGS Downingtown, Pa.
WR, Freshman 5-10, 180 Downingtown East
High School: Played cornerback and wide receiver at Downingtown East High for coach Michael Matta … had 45 catches for 480 yards and eight touchdowns his senior year … was a three-year starter and the team went 34-9 during that time span … has been voted all-league and all-county all three years … his junior and senior year he was all-district and made several all-state teams ... school all-time leader in interceptions with 12 … also four-time letterwinner in track and field and won the 4x100 state championship as a sophomore; took second his junior year … also in his junior year, he placed third in the 100-meter dash at the PIAA Class 3A state track and field championships … Personal: Born Jeremy A. Jennings in Chester, Pa. … parents are Kisha and Wendell Wesley … brothers Jamere Walker (27), Joe Jennings (23), and J'Von Jennings (20), and sister Jaleya Jennings (24) … cousin Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson attended Temple … plans to major in criminal justice.
MIKE JONES Baltimore, Md.
DB, Redshirt Senior 5-11, 187 Milford Mill/ NC Central
Honors: 2016 - All-MEAC First Team (cornerback and return specialist) … 2014 - All-MEAC First Team (cornerback and return specialist) … BOXTOROW All-America Team (return specialist) … BOXTOROW All-America Honorable Mention (cornerback) … Beyond Sports Network FCS All-America Second Team (cornerback) … The Sports Network FCS All-America Third Team (punt returner) … 2013 - … College Sports Journal Football Championship Subdivision All-Freshman Team … Phil Steele's FCS Freshman All-American First Team … second-team All-MEAC … College Sports Madness All-MEAC first-team … College: Played defensive back for North Carolina Central under head coach Jerry Mack … racked up 114 tackles, 36 pass breakups, and 11 interceptions throughout his career with the Eagles … 2016 (Redshirt Junior): Voted to All-MEAC first-team as both a defensive back and return specialist … as a return specialist, topped MEAC with an average of 22.0 yards per punt return and was one of only four returners in FCS with two punt return touchdowns … as a cornerback, tallied 30 tackles and five passes defended with two interceptions and three pass break-ups … two-time MEAC Specialist of the Week (10/17 & 11/7) … 2015 (Junior): Started first three games of the season before suffering season-ending injury in first quarter of third game at FIU (9/19) … broke school record with 145 punt return yards versus Saint Augustine's … granted a medical redshirt … 2014 (Sophomore): Earned first-team All-MEAC honors as both a return specialist and defensive back … selected to All-America Teams by The Sports Network, Beyond Sports Network and BOXTOROW … ranked second in the nation (NCAA Division I-FCS) in punt returns, averaging 19.1 yards per return with a long of 60 yards … averaged team-best 22.3 yards per kickoff return … led the MEAC and ranked sixth in the NCAA Division I-FCS with 18 passes defended, including five interceptions and 13 pass break-ups … collected 40 tackles (30 solo) with 2.5 TFLs … tallied season-high seven tackles with one TFL, an interception and two pass break-ups versus Howard … recorded four stops with an interception and a pass deflection at East Carolina … 2013 (Freshman): Announced as a candidate for the Jerry Rice Award, presented by The Sports Network to the top first-year player in NCAA Division I-FCS … played in 11 of 12 games, including eight as a starting cornerback … ranked third in the MEAC with four interceptions and fourth in the conference with 12 PBUs … added 39 tackles (27 solo), including 3.5 TFLs, and a fumble recovery … named MEAC Rookie of the Week after intercepting two passes and collecting four tackles (three solo), including a solo takedown for a loss, and a pass break-up during a road win at Charlotte ..,. intercepted a pass in overtime to help the Eagles defeat Saint Augustine's … High School: Three-time all-county selection at Milford Mill Academy … tagged all-state and all-division as a senior … helped lead team to state semifinals with 11-2 record … as a senior, amassed 59 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 PBUs and 3 forced fumbles, while also recording more than 1,400 all-purpose yards (600 rushing, 501 receiving, 305 return yards) … Personal: Born Michael Jones Jr. in Baltimore, Md. … parents are Erica Williams and Michael Jones, Sr. … earned his undergraduate degree in sports management at North Carolina Central.
IFEANYI MAIJEH Rockaway, N.Y.
DL, Freshman 6-2, 261 Poly Prep
High School: Played defensive end and tight end for head coach Kevin Fountaine at Poly Prep High … helped lead Poly Prep to a 5-3 record overall … accolades include first-team all-city, top 100 New York and defensive MVP of Ivy League conference in 2016 ... led Poly Prep as a senior with nine sacks and seven TFLs … Personal: Born Ifeanyi L. Maijeh … parents are Calandra (mother) and Ife Maijeh (father) … has two brothers Obi (16) and Kanyo (13), and one sister Arinze (10) … plans to major in sports medicine and management.
JAMES MAKSLIN Norwalk, Conn.
OL, Freshman 6-3, 265 Norwalk
High School: Played offensive line and defensive tackle for head coach Sean Ireland of Norwalk High … collected 49 tackles, 14 TFLs, five sacks, and rushed for a TD in his senior season … earned Walter Camp all-state first-team offense honors as an offensive lineman… 2016 New Haven Register all-state first-team, CHSCA All-State, and All-Connecticut Region first team defensive lineman … two-time All-FCIAC first-team defensive lineman … All-FCIAC central division selection as a sophomore … Personal: Born James R. Makszin … mother is Pam Makszin … has one brother Ronnie (21) and one sister Liz (27) … list of favorites include: Braveheart (movie), The Office (TV show), nachos (food), Madden (video game), Cowboys (NFL team).
TY MASON Silver Springs, Md.
DB, Freshman 5-10, 172 James Hubert Blake
High School: Played football for James Hubert Blake High under head coach DeShawn Anderson … finished his senior year with eight interceptions and 36 solo tackles … in 2016, he was selected to play in the Maryland Crab Bowl and selected to the ALL-MOCO and ALL-Met football teams … in track & field during his junior year, he broke the record in the long jump at indoor nationals with 23'5 … also set three school records: the 4x100 and 4x200, and the long jump with a personal best of 23'11 … Personal: Born Dearaeg Mason but goes by Ty.
EMIL MOODY Philadelphia, Pa.
TE, Freshman 6-5, 210 Neumann-Goretti
High School: Played defensive end and wide receiver at Philadelphia's Neumann-Goretti High under head coach Lincoln Townsend … as a senior, set a school season record with 17 sacks ….led the squad in receiving in 2015 and 2016 … 2014 second-team All-Catholic League 2A by Philly.com and Philadelphia Tribune when he helped the team to a 9-4 record and District 12 Class 2A champions and first Philadelphia Catholic League title since 1954 … as a junior, tallied 268 receiving yards on 15 catches (17.8 average) and three receiving touchdowns … he also added two sacks, eight quarterback hurries, 10 total tackles (four TFLs) and one forced fumble … also played basketball … Personal: Born Emil J. Moody in Philadelphia, Pa. … parents are Tamara Moody and Joe Cann … has one brother Devin Moody (24) … plans to study business administration.
GEORGE REID Glenside, Pa.
DB, Freshman 6-2, 180 Abington
High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back for coach Kevin Collins at Abington High … finished senior season with 31 catches for 642 yards and 6 touchdowns, along with one fumble recovery for a touchdown, and four interceptions as a first team all-league safety … finished his junior season first in receiving touchdowns (11) and yards among Southeastern Montgomery County and Upper Bucks County high schools … was the 2017 Maxwell Football Club Mini Max Award Recipient … earned PA Football News first team all-state, Southeastern PA all-area and Penn Preps all-state honors in 2016 … was a two-time second team Suburban One National Conference player.
GRIFFIN SESTILI Sewickley, Pa.
OL, Freshman 6-3, 260 North Allegheny
High School: Played tight end for coach Art Walker at North Allegheny High … was a three-year letterwinner and a team captain as a senior … had six catches for 73 yards in just six games his senior year and received first-team all-conference honors … his junior year, he had seven catches for 100 yards and three touchdowns and received second-team all-conference honors ... also played basketball in high school … Personal: Born Griffin Christopher Sestili in Raleigh, N.C. … parents are Jana and Chris Sestili … father is the JV coach at North Alleghany High … has a brother Carson (10) … plans to major in business.
COLLIN WASHINGTON Philadelphia, Pa.
DB, Freshman 6-1, 185 Central
High School: Was a wide receiver and running back for former Temple WR Rich Drayton of Central High … was a teammate of Temple redshirt offensive tackle Darian Bryant … also competed in track and field … was part of the school's 4x400 relay team that finished first at the Penn Relays during the 2016 outdoor season … also competed in the 4x100 relays and 400-meter event.
CASEY WILLIAMS Philadelphia, Pa.
LB, Freshman 6-3, 220 South Philadelphia
High School: Played running back and linebacker for coach Frank Natale at South Philadelphia High … was a four-year letterwinner … registered 20 tackles and 350 rushing yards in four games as a senior … was selected to play in the Philadelphia City all-star game where he recorded two rushing touchdowns and 15 tackles … also was a high school star in basketball and track & field … Personal: Born Casey Joseph Williams at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. …. Mother is Zina Williams … has two siblings David (29) and Jared (24) … list of favorites include: Hangover (movie), SpongeBob (TV show), hip hop and rap (music), stuffed shells (food), geometry (class), Baltimore Ravens (NFL team) … plans to major in sports medicine.
Geoff Collins Press Conference
The Owls are coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons and captured the 2016 American Athletic Conference title with a 34-10 win over Navy on December 3, 2016. Collins was hired on December 14, to replace former head coach Matt Rhule who departed for Baylor.
Collins will be available to the media at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon to share his thoughts on his first recruiting class. That press conference will be available on owlsports.com later this evening.
Below is a list of the recruiting class:
| Name | Pos | High School | Hometown |
| Jadan Blue | WR | Peddie Prep | Baltimore, Md. |
| Christian Braswell | DB | Friendship Collegiate Academy | Washington, D.C. |
| Malik Burns | DL | Lackey | Marbury, Md. |
| Todd Centeio | QB | William T. Dwyer | West Palm Beach, Fla. |
| Arnold Ebiketie | DL | Albert Einstein | Silver Spring, Md. |
| L'Jeron Holder | WR | Manalapan | Manalapan, N.J. |
| Audley Isaacs | LB | Valley Forge | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| Jeremy Jennings | WR | Downingtown East | Downingtown, Pa. |
| Mike Jones | DB/RS | Milford Mill / North Carolina State | Baltimore, Md. |
| Ifeanyi Maijeh | DL | Poly Prep | Rockaway, N.Y. |
| James Makszin | OL | Norwalk | Norwalk, Conn. |
| Ty Mason | DB | James Hubert Blake | Silver Spring, Md. |
| Emil Moody | TE | Neumann-Goretti | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| George Reid | DB | Abington | Glenside, Pa. |
| Griffin Sestili | OL | North Allegheny | Sewickley, Pa. |
| Collin Washington | DB | Central | Philadelphia, Pa. |
| Casey Williams | LB | South Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pa. |
Jones has already enrolled at Temple as a graduate transfer from North Carolina Central.
Centeio and Williams have also enrolled early and started classes as freshmen at Temple.
The rest are high school seniors who are expected to enroll at Temple this summer.
Collins added 10 players to a defense that, last year, ranked third nationally in yards per game (282.5), third in pass defense (152.1) 11th in scoring defense (18.4), 19th in sacks (37), 21st in third down defense (34.7), and 25th in rushing defense (130.1). He added seven players to an offense that set the school record with 5,790 yards of total offense and 453 points.
The 17 recruits come from six states, and one from Washington, D.C. A total of eight recruits come from the local states of Pennsylvania (7) and New Jersey (1), with three coming directly from the City of Philadelphia. The DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area) produced eight new Owls.
JADAN BLUE Baltimore, Md.
WR, Freshman 6-0, 175 Peddie Prep / Mt. Saint Joseph
High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back at Peddie Prep High in Hightstown, N.J., under coach Christopher Malleo … helped the Falcons get to a 6-2 record in 2016 … received first-team all-conference honors for the Mid-Atlantic Prep League and NJ first-team all-prep as a receiver … his senior season, he had 23 receptions for 457 yards and five touchdowns while only playing in five games … against Hun School, had eight receptions for 139 yards to pace the Falcons' offense, including a TD of 65 yards and a 38-yard reception to set up another score … in win over archrival Lawrenceville, scored twice - a 46-yard catch and a 62-yard punt return … had seven catches including two TD receptions in win over Wyoming Seminary … on defense, recorded a pick-six … his junior year, he finished with 47 receptions, 892 yards and nine touchdowns … transferred from Mt. Saint Joseph High in Hightstown, Md., for his senior year … earned first-team all-state honors … was a Baltimore Touchdown Club selection and participated in the MD Crab Bowl All Star Game … set the MSJ school record with a 99-yard TD reception … was a three-time 4x200 champion and first-team All-MIAA in track for three years … Personal: Born Jadan James-Edward Blue in Baltimore, Md. … parents are Lekeshia and James Blue … has two brothers, Landan (9) and Payton (4) … cousin Ladarius Webb plays for the Baltimore Ravens … plans to major in business.
CHRISTIAN BRASWELL Washington, D.C.
DB, Freshman 5-10, 161 Friendship Collegiate Academy
High School: Played cornerback and wide receiver at Friendship Collegiate Academy for coach Mike Hunter … helped lead his team to the program's first District of Colombia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) Class 2A title since 2012 … a part of a defensive unit that shutout Woodson High (13-0) in the championship game to finish 10-2 on the season … earned first-team All-USA D.C. honors in 2016 at DB … named to the 2016 Senior Under Armour Elite 100 that honors the top senior high school players in Maryland and Washington D.C. … among 44 finalists to participate in the 2016-17 Big 33 game … 2016 All-Metro honorable mention … MVP recognition at his position (DB) during the Charlotte Open Regional … two-time DCSAA Honor Roll recipient (2013-14 & 2015-16) … also competed in track and field, placing third in the 100 meter dash, clocking in at 11:40 seconds at the 2016 DCSAA State Track and Field Championships.
MALIK BURNS Marbury, Md.
DL, Freshman 6-3, 230 Lackey
High School: Played running back and linebacker/defensive end for head coach John Lush at Lackey High … 2016 All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference most outstanding player and all-conference honors at two positions as a senior when he helped the team to a 8-2 record … his accolades also included all-county player of the year, first team all-county running back, second team all-county defensive end, second team All-Met … on defense, had 68 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, 15 TFLs , four sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries … also rushed for 2,290 yards and 26 TDs on 220 carries … rushing yards led the state of Maryland in 2016 and ranked second all-time for a single-season in school history … third player to rush for over 2,000 yards in school history … was selected to play in the PG/SMAC All Star Game, the Maryland Crab Bowl, and the BIG 33 Game … recognized as an ELITE 100 Player in the State of Maryland … compiled 54 tackles, five sacks, and four fumble recoveries over his three-year varsity career … had a career-high 45 tackles in 2015 … played with current Owls' DB Cortrelle Simpson at Lackey.
TODD CENTEIO West Palm Beach, Fla.
QB, Freshman 6-1, 205 William T. Dwyer
High School: Was a quarterback for head coach Ron Jack Daniels at William T. Dwyer High … during his senior season, he threw for 2,344 yards and 31 TDs and rushed for four TDs … earned first-team Palm Beach Football 8A-6A and Sun Sentinel honors … Lou Groza award finalist … two-time Sun Sentinel Super 11 pick … made ESPN 106.3 Top-63 seniors list (#15) … spent his freshman and sophomore years at Royal Palm Beach High before transferring to Dwyer … recorded over 2,000 passing yards and 27 TDs in his two seasons at Royal Palm … led Royal Palm to an 11-2 record by registering 1,126 passing yards and 14 TDs in his sophomore season … Personal: Born Todd Anthony Centeio in Pembroke Pines , Fla. … parents are Nydia and Todd Centeio … has two sisters, Eliya Charo (23) and Taylour Centeio (17) … list of favorites include: ESPNs 30 for 30 (TV show), youth culture and public speaking (class), and Forrest Gump (movie) … majoring in business.
ARNOLD EBIKETIE Silver Spring, Md.
DL, Freshman 6-4, 200 Albert Einstein
High School: Was a three-year letterwinner for Albert Einstein High in Baltimore, Md., under head coach Mike Bonavia … as a senior, helped Einstein earn a 6-4 record while playing linebacker and wide receiver … earned 2016 co-defensive player of the year and first-team All-Sentinel honors … awarded Washington Post All-Metro honorable mention in his senior year … compiled 21.5 sacks, 36 TFLs, while catching for 298 yards and three TDs at the receiver position as a senior … racked up 9.5 sacks, 14.0 TFLs, three fumble recoveries, three pass deflections, and two blocked field goals in his junior year … also played basketball and averaged 9.7 rebounds and 6.5 points for his career as a power forward … participated in high jump and sprints in track and field … transferred from Richard Montgomery before his sophomore season … Personal: Born Arnold Kevin Ebiketie in Yaounde, Cameroon (joins William Kwenkeu, an Owls' LB, as Cameroon natives) … parents are Jean Marie Ebiketie and Guy Susanne … has two brothers, Yvan (17) and Nelly (13), and a sister Nancy (21) … plans to major in sports management.
L'JERON HOLDER Manalapan, N.J.
WR, Freshman 6-3, 202 Manalapan
High School: Played wide receiver for head coach Ed Gurrieri at Manalapan (N.J.) High … had 644 yards receiving and nine TDs combined over his junior and senior seasons … helped the Braves to an 11-1 record and a NJSIAA CJG5 championship appearance in 2016 … 2015 All-District selection for Freehold Regional High … ranked #10 on the Super 60 Shore Conference recruits in the 2017 class.
AUDLEY ISAACS Philadelphia, Pa.
LB, Freshman 6-1, 215 Valley Forge Military Academy
High School: Played running back and linebacker for head coach Mike Korom at Valley Forge Military Academy … earned second-team all-state for the PIAA Division 2A and All-Southeastern Pa. in 2016 at LB … first-team All-Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL) at RB and LB, to go along with BAL defensive player of the year honors … as a senior gained 1,123 rushing yards, and compiled 133 tackles … participated in the Blue-Gray Regional Combine … recorded 117 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks, and one forced fumble during his junior year, while scoring nine TDs on offense … led the team with 108 tackles and six sacks as a sophomore.
JEREMY JENNINGS Downingtown, Pa.
WR, Freshman 5-10, 180 Downingtown East
High School: Played cornerback and wide receiver at Downingtown East High for coach Michael Matta … had 45 catches for 480 yards and eight touchdowns his senior year … was a three-year starter and the team went 34-9 during that time span … has been voted all-league and all-county all three years … his junior and senior year he was all-district and made several all-state teams ... school all-time leader in interceptions with 12 … also four-time letterwinner in track and field and won the 4x100 state championship as a sophomore; took second his junior year … also in his junior year, he placed third in the 100-meter dash at the PIAA Class 3A state track and field championships … Personal: Born Jeremy A. Jennings in Chester, Pa. … parents are Kisha and Wendell Wesley … brothers Jamere Walker (27), Joe Jennings (23), and J'Von Jennings (20), and sister Jaleya Jennings (24) … cousin Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson attended Temple … plans to major in criminal justice.
MIKE JONES Baltimore, Md.
DB, Redshirt Senior 5-11, 187 Milford Mill/ NC Central
Honors: 2016 - All-MEAC First Team (cornerback and return specialist) … 2014 - All-MEAC First Team (cornerback and return specialist) … BOXTOROW All-America Team (return specialist) … BOXTOROW All-America Honorable Mention (cornerback) … Beyond Sports Network FCS All-America Second Team (cornerback) … The Sports Network FCS All-America Third Team (punt returner) … 2013 - … College Sports Journal Football Championship Subdivision All-Freshman Team … Phil Steele's FCS Freshman All-American First Team … second-team All-MEAC … College Sports Madness All-MEAC first-team … College: Played defensive back for North Carolina Central under head coach Jerry Mack … racked up 114 tackles, 36 pass breakups, and 11 interceptions throughout his career with the Eagles … 2016 (Redshirt Junior): Voted to All-MEAC first-team as both a defensive back and return specialist … as a return specialist, topped MEAC with an average of 22.0 yards per punt return and was one of only four returners in FCS with two punt return touchdowns … as a cornerback, tallied 30 tackles and five passes defended with two interceptions and three pass break-ups … two-time MEAC Specialist of the Week (10/17 & 11/7) … 2015 (Junior): Started first three games of the season before suffering season-ending injury in first quarter of third game at FIU (9/19) … broke school record with 145 punt return yards versus Saint Augustine's … granted a medical redshirt … 2014 (Sophomore): Earned first-team All-MEAC honors as both a return specialist and defensive back … selected to All-America Teams by The Sports Network, Beyond Sports Network and BOXTOROW … ranked second in the nation (NCAA Division I-FCS) in punt returns, averaging 19.1 yards per return with a long of 60 yards … averaged team-best 22.3 yards per kickoff return … led the MEAC and ranked sixth in the NCAA Division I-FCS with 18 passes defended, including five interceptions and 13 pass break-ups … collected 40 tackles (30 solo) with 2.5 TFLs … tallied season-high seven tackles with one TFL, an interception and two pass break-ups versus Howard … recorded four stops with an interception and a pass deflection at East Carolina … 2013 (Freshman): Announced as a candidate for the Jerry Rice Award, presented by The Sports Network to the top first-year player in NCAA Division I-FCS … played in 11 of 12 games, including eight as a starting cornerback … ranked third in the MEAC with four interceptions and fourth in the conference with 12 PBUs … added 39 tackles (27 solo), including 3.5 TFLs, and a fumble recovery … named MEAC Rookie of the Week after intercepting two passes and collecting four tackles (three solo), including a solo takedown for a loss, and a pass break-up during a road win at Charlotte ..,. intercepted a pass in overtime to help the Eagles defeat Saint Augustine's … High School: Three-time all-county selection at Milford Mill Academy … tagged all-state and all-division as a senior … helped lead team to state semifinals with 11-2 record … as a senior, amassed 59 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 PBUs and 3 forced fumbles, while also recording more than 1,400 all-purpose yards (600 rushing, 501 receiving, 305 return yards) … Personal: Born Michael Jones Jr. in Baltimore, Md. … parents are Erica Williams and Michael Jones, Sr. … earned his undergraduate degree in sports management at North Carolina Central.
IFEANYI MAIJEH Rockaway, N.Y.
DL, Freshman 6-2, 261 Poly Prep
High School: Played defensive end and tight end for head coach Kevin Fountaine at Poly Prep High … helped lead Poly Prep to a 5-3 record overall … accolades include first-team all-city, top 100 New York and defensive MVP of Ivy League conference in 2016 ... led Poly Prep as a senior with nine sacks and seven TFLs … Personal: Born Ifeanyi L. Maijeh … parents are Calandra (mother) and Ife Maijeh (father) … has two brothers Obi (16) and Kanyo (13), and one sister Arinze (10) … plans to major in sports medicine and management.
JAMES MAKSLIN Norwalk, Conn.
OL, Freshman 6-3, 265 Norwalk
High School: Played offensive line and defensive tackle for head coach Sean Ireland of Norwalk High … collected 49 tackles, 14 TFLs, five sacks, and rushed for a TD in his senior season … earned Walter Camp all-state first-team offense honors as an offensive lineman… 2016 New Haven Register all-state first-team, CHSCA All-State, and All-Connecticut Region first team defensive lineman … two-time All-FCIAC first-team defensive lineman … All-FCIAC central division selection as a sophomore … Personal: Born James R. Makszin … mother is Pam Makszin … has one brother Ronnie (21) and one sister Liz (27) … list of favorites include: Braveheart (movie), The Office (TV show), nachos (food), Madden (video game), Cowboys (NFL team).
TY MASON Silver Springs, Md.
DB, Freshman 5-10, 172 James Hubert Blake
High School: Played football for James Hubert Blake High under head coach DeShawn Anderson … finished his senior year with eight interceptions and 36 solo tackles … in 2016, he was selected to play in the Maryland Crab Bowl and selected to the ALL-MOCO and ALL-Met football teams … in track & field during his junior year, he broke the record in the long jump at indoor nationals with 23'5 … also set three school records: the 4x100 and 4x200, and the long jump with a personal best of 23'11 … Personal: Born Dearaeg Mason but goes by Ty.
EMIL MOODY Philadelphia, Pa.
TE, Freshman 6-5, 210 Neumann-Goretti
High School: Played defensive end and wide receiver at Philadelphia's Neumann-Goretti High under head coach Lincoln Townsend … as a senior, set a school season record with 17 sacks ….led the squad in receiving in 2015 and 2016 … 2014 second-team All-Catholic League 2A by Philly.com and Philadelphia Tribune when he helped the team to a 9-4 record and District 12 Class 2A champions and first Philadelphia Catholic League title since 1954 … as a junior, tallied 268 receiving yards on 15 catches (17.8 average) and three receiving touchdowns … he also added two sacks, eight quarterback hurries, 10 total tackles (four TFLs) and one forced fumble … also played basketball … Personal: Born Emil J. Moody in Philadelphia, Pa. … parents are Tamara Moody and Joe Cann … has one brother Devin Moody (24) … plans to study business administration.
GEORGE REID Glenside, Pa.
DB, Freshman 6-2, 180 Abington
High School: Played wide receiver and defensive back for coach Kevin Collins at Abington High … finished senior season with 31 catches for 642 yards and 6 touchdowns, along with one fumble recovery for a touchdown, and four interceptions as a first team all-league safety … finished his junior season first in receiving touchdowns (11) and yards among Southeastern Montgomery County and Upper Bucks County high schools … was the 2017 Maxwell Football Club Mini Max Award Recipient … earned PA Football News first team all-state, Southeastern PA all-area and Penn Preps all-state honors in 2016 … was a two-time second team Suburban One National Conference player.
GRIFFIN SESTILI Sewickley, Pa.
OL, Freshman 6-3, 260 North Allegheny
High School: Played tight end for coach Art Walker at North Allegheny High … was a three-year letterwinner and a team captain as a senior … had six catches for 73 yards in just six games his senior year and received first-team all-conference honors … his junior year, he had seven catches for 100 yards and three touchdowns and received second-team all-conference honors ... also played basketball in high school … Personal: Born Griffin Christopher Sestili in Raleigh, N.C. … parents are Jana and Chris Sestili … father is the JV coach at North Alleghany High … has a brother Carson (10) … plans to major in business.
COLLIN WASHINGTON Philadelphia, Pa.
DB, Freshman 6-1, 185 Central
High School: Was a wide receiver and running back for former Temple WR Rich Drayton of Central High … was a teammate of Temple redshirt offensive tackle Darian Bryant … also competed in track and field … was part of the school's 4x400 relay team that finished first at the Penn Relays during the 2016 outdoor season … also competed in the 4x100 relays and 400-meter event.
CASEY WILLIAMS Philadelphia, Pa.
LB, Freshman 6-3, 220 South Philadelphia
High School: Played running back and linebacker for coach Frank Natale at South Philadelphia High … was a four-year letterwinner … registered 20 tackles and 350 rushing yards in four games as a senior … was selected to play in the Philadelphia City all-star game where he recorded two rushing touchdowns and 15 tackles … also was a high school star in basketball and track & field … Personal: Born Casey Joseph Williams at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. …. Mother is Zina Williams … has two siblings David (29) and Jared (24) … list of favorites include: Hangover (movie), SpongeBob (TV show), hip hop and rap (music), stuffed shells (food), geometry (class), Baltimore Ravens (NFL team) … plans to major in sports medicine.
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/ FootballEp. 6: Temple Athletics Weekly Recap; Field Hockey's Peyton Rieger
Tuesday, September 23
Evan Simon, 9/20/25
Sunday, September 21
Eric Stuart, 9/20/25
Sunday, September 21
K.C. Keeler, 9/20/25
Sunday, September 21
