Rhule says Walker is the key to Temple having a dominant offense

Temple football coach Matt Rhule doesn't mince words when talking about the key to the Owls offensive success this season. And it is no surprise that the fourth-year coach is putting a lot on his four-year starting quarterback Phillip Walker.

"Phillip is the key to us being a dominant offense," Rhule said. "We have been really good on defense for a while but we have never really been a dominant offense and it is not just his play, but him demanding guys do things right all the time."

Rhule went on to say there have always been players on defense that demanded that the team played to a certain standard, players such as linebacker Tyler Matakevich, now with the Pittsburgh Steelers and tackle Matt Ioannidis, currently with the Washington Redskins.

Rhule said Walker is one of the offensive players who is holding his teammates accountable.

"He is doing a really good job of distributing the ball, understanding protections, getting us in the right plays," Rhule said. "So he playing really well, but I think it is the other part of it, the leadership that is crucial to our success."

Last season Walker competed 56.8 percent of his passes for a school record 2,972 yards. He also threw 19 touchdown passes and eight interceptions. Walker already owns the Temple career record with 52 touchdowns passes.

While he has maintained that he is no different as a leader this season, Walker understands more is expected of him and is willing to take that responsibility.

"I put a lot of pressure on myself everyday to be the best player on the football field and be as good as I can be,  because I know if I am at my best, the other guys will be at their best," Walker said.