American commissioner speaks on need for structure in college athletics; Temple looks poised for success

The college football season is coming soon.

On Friday, Temple head coach K.C. Keeler took the podium to address members of the media during the American conference’s media day. Keeler was joined in St. Petersburg, Fla., by the other 13 American head coaches and Tim Pernetti, the conference’s commissioner.

Here are some notable takeaways:

During his opening remarks, Pernetti focused heavily on the evolving nature of college sports and how the current landscape is failing student-athletes.

“We have a responsibility to surround [student-athletes] with a sustainable framework, and right now, that’s not a thing,” Pernetti said. “We need to give them a clear path to earn degrees, become leaders, and win championships. Compensation and all these things we hear about — they need to live inside a broader mission.”

Pernetti expanded on this by endorsing the Protect College Sports Act, a federal bill that would provide an antitrust exemption to the NCAA.

If voted into law, this exemption would allow the NCAA to establish limits on student-athletes’ compensation, regulate transfers and eligibility, and prohibit coaches from departing from a program mid-season, among other changes. More than 20 college conferences have publicly offered support for the bill, but the two wealthiest conferences — the Big Ten and SEC — have opposed it.

» READ MORE: What to know about the proposed Protect College Sports Act and its impact on NCAA athletics

“‘I’ve walked the halls in D.C. more than Frank Underwood did in House of Cards,” Pernetti said. “The American has a seat at the table. That’s the great news. We have a nationally respected voice, and I’m really humbled to be part of President Trump’s commission to save college sports. And at times, I’ve been the only non-autonomy commissioner in that room.

“For too long, this industry has lived in this cycle of litigation and temporary fixes and uncertainty, like enough. It’s time for structure in college sports. The Protect College Sports Act is now front and center.”

On Thursday, ESPN reported that the senate is not expected to vote on the bill prior to Congress’ August recess, making it unlikely that a vote occurs prior to the Midterm elections in November.

A few hours later, it was Keeler’s turn to field questions from the media. His brief availability was more dedicated to the gridiron than the halls of Congress.

Keeler is entering his second year at the helm. Last season, the Owls (5-7, 3-5 AAC) finished one game short of bowl eligibility. As Keeler pointed out though, the program is returning key players to nearly every position.

“We kept every single one of our starters that was able to go in the portal, which is unheard of at our level,” Keeler said. “We had a number of guys that had major opportunities in the Power Four world, and when guys like [tight end] Peter Clarke and [offensive linemen] Giakoby Hills and Eric King turn down literally hundreds of thousands of dollars to stay at an institution because they love Temple, they love Philly, and they see where we’re going, it speaks volumes to the rest of the locker room.”

One notable position that is not seeing a returning starter may be the most important: quarterback.

» READ MORE: Temple’s annual Cherry and White game delivered food for thought as the offseason begins

Last season, the Owls were led by Evan Simon, who graduated this past spring. Keeler is now presiding over a quarterback battle between Penn State transfer Jaxon Smolik and Ajani Sheppard, who saw stops at Rutgers and Washington State before landing with the Owls this offseason. In the Cherry and White spring game, Smolik looked like the sharper passer.

Another new name to watch is fifth-year senior running back Sam Brown V, who transferred from Rutgers. The La Salle College High alumni was sidelined with injuries during his time with the Scarlet Knights. He was formerly 247Sports’ No. 13 high school recruit in Pennsylvania in the class of 2022.

“You keep Sam healthy, Sam’s a Big Ten starting running back,” Keeler said. “I think we have enough depth that we can keep him healthy.”

Temple opens its season against Rhode Island on Sept. 5 at Lincoln Financial Field. Then on Sept. 12, the Owls are slated to host Keystone state rival Penn State. Keeler is looking to make sure his team does not look past its initial opponent.

“And if you worry about what’s beyond you, there’s a good chance that very talented Rhode Island team, that’s ranked No. 4 in the country preseason at FCS, they’re going to beat you,” Keeler said. “I’m going to make sure my players understand nothing else really matters but us playing Rhode Island.”