Temple’s linebackers built a tight-knit bond off the field. They’re hoping it helps them on the field too.

Coming from the roof of Temple linebacker Jordan Montgomery’s North Philadelphia home, sounds of music and general jeering fill the streets. The Owls linebacker room has gotten together for another function.

It’s become somewhat of a tradition. Every few weeks, the Owls linebackers, headed by captain Eric Stuart, come together to eat, laugh and strengthen the bonds that have extended beyond the football field. And it’s a tradition that reflects the broader culture shift in the program, brought on by coach K.C. Keeler, and one the Owls hope sparks a resurgence on the field.

“I think the first time we did it was last year for the Super Bowl, at my old crib,” said Stuart, a fifth-year senior. “We just cooked some food and had everybody come over and come eat and just hang out together. That’s how it all started.”

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Said senior Curly Ordonez: “For us, it is just like showing up for your brother, right? You don’t have to come for the whole time. I was one of those, especially last year. I was laid back, pretty quiet, and kept to myself. And it was about bringing people out of their shells. We have a lot of guys that are far away from home, and we can get them some home-cooked meals, which is something we like to do.”

Continuity is key for the Owls linebackers with 10 returners from last season. Stuart, one of Temple’s most experienced defensive players, anchors a group that also returns 2025’s leading tackler, Ordonez, Tyree Alualu, Jayvant Brown, Wesley Brown, Montgomery, and others. They are joined by newcomers such as Jaylon Joseph and JaMair Diaz.

“I think it’s just really important for us to be able to coach each other up,” Stuart said. “On the football field, stuff happens; emotions are high. … Every message might not come off in a regular tone, especially to the newer guys. But I feel like especially the guys in our room, we all understand that nobody is coming at you as a person.

“We’re trying to be better out here, so knowing each other just helps with communication. You don’t get that bickering and fighting, and that is probably the biggest thing we’ve gotten from being so close.”

And the cohesion among the Owls linebackers has been noticed from across the field.

“I’ve never seen a room so close like the linebackers,” said quarterback Ajani Sheppard. “They are always hanging out with each other, always talking to each other. I think it’s such a great thing.”

The relationships among the linebackers started just over a year ago with the hiring of Keeler and a new staff. Keeler inherited a program coming off four consecutive 3-9 seasons under Stan Drayton and Rod Carey but quickly made a culture shift a priority. Keeler said he met with every player on the roster individually following his hiring. Many players were encouraged to stay, and the coaching staff emphasized that continuity.

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“I would say, just having new coaches,” Ordonez said of the difference. “We had a lot of guys who were new to the team, and last year was one of those years that took us where it went, and I feel like this year, we understood the type of team we had and the guys we have coming and who we are. We obviously got better, and we’ve seen that throughout the spring. So understanding that by getting together we could really be something as a defense. But to be one of the best groups you got to get to know each other, got to hang out, you’ve got to do stuff outside of the city, gain that trust and gain that love.”

Stuart said unlike previous years, he wants to be in the facility every day.

“I would say it’s more of a whole team energy that kick-started it for us [the linebackers],” said Stuart. “Me personally, in 2024, [I] just honestly hated being in the facility every day. I didn’t want to be here. I didn’t want to hang out after or spend time with anybody. Then Coach Keeler and the new staff got here, and the energy changed. Like, I feel like everyone wants to be here, everyone comes in, and nobody is getting their stuff just to run out of the locker room and go home. We sit, and we hang out in the locker room. There’s no one in a rush to get out of here. I would say I thought that’s probably the biggest change.”

The real test of their chemistry awaits on Sept. 5 with their season opener against Rhode Island.