Temple names former Georgia quarterback D'Wan Mathis 2022 starter

Former Georgia quarterback D’Wan Mathis has officially been named the 2022 starter at Temple, according to a social media post by the school. The former four-star recruit transferred to the Owls in 2021 before testing the waters again this offseason during a coaching search.

After redshirting in 2019 and appearing in three games for Georgia in 2020, D’Wan Mathis moved to Temple under head coach Rod Carey. He played seven games last season, throwing for 1,223 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions.

Despite the reports he would consider a third collegiate stop, Mathis opted to return under first-year head coach Stan Drayton and compete for the starting job in 2022. Now that he has earned his place, the 6-foot-6 signal caller can focus on creating early success in the AAC.

Temple opens the season on the road against Duke on Sept. 2, before facing Lafayette the following week at home.

Stan Drayton brings promise at Temple

The Temple Owls were able to poach running back coach Stan Drayton away from the Texas Longhorns. Drayton will be a head coach for the first time in his career and during his introductory press conference, was quick to share what he learned from previous coaches.

Drayton was asked to clarify on an earlier comment when he said former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel protected his players. The new head coach responded with a passionate answer, proving he will be a player’s head coach during his time at Temple.

“Because he got in trouble for that, right?,” Drayton said. “But the one thing about Jim Tressel is he’s never going to let any outside source, whether it be media or anything, whether the kid was right or wrong in his actions, he’s going to do everything in his power to protect his integrity, protect his character, protect his reputation.  Because he always thought that, hey, kids will make mistakes, but they still have a future to live.  And there are so many times wherein this business we’re in, a kid gets bad press, a kid gets a bad rep, and then their future, the growth gets stunted in that respect. 

“So Jim Tressel did a phenomenal job of making sure that, hey, if a mistake is made, we’re going to learn from our mistakes, but I want you to know I still have your back, I still will support you in all good, bad, whatever it may be that you experience.  While you’re here with me, I’ve got your back.  And I really respect that about Jim Tressel.”