Matakevich earns AP All-American honors

Yet another honor has come the way of Temple linebacker Tyler Matakevich. On Sunday, Matakevich was named to the Associated Press first-team all-American team.

During the last week the 6-foot-1, 232-pound senior earned the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award, both presented to the nation's best defensive player. He was also named a first-team Walter Camp Football Foundation All-American.

Earlier, he was named the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Matakevich has recorded 126 tackles for the 10-3 Owls, who will meet Toledo (9-2) in the Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 22. He is the only Football Subdivision Player to lead his team in tackles each game this year. In addition, he is the national leader among linebackers with five interceptions. Matakevich also has 4.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss.

Matakevich is a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and Senior CLASS Award.

In another note Temple has received an oral football commitment from Amir Tyler, a 6-foot, 187-pound running back-safety from Lakewood NJ High.

According to a person familiar with Temple recruiting, the Owls like Tyler as a defensive player, although they are impressed with his running ability. He is another player who was reportedly impressive at one of the Owls camps.

Tyler is from the same high school as Temple linebacker Chapelle Russell, who is redshirting this season.

He becomes the 16th player from the class of 2016 to commit to Temple. 

Later on Sunday a 17th has made a commitment, according to two people familiar with Temple recruiting.

That player is Benny Walls, a 6-0, 195-pound running back-defensive back from St. Joe Prep. He is by all accounts being recruited as a defensive back.