Temple's Chris Coyer bulks up for a new position

When Chris Coyer lines up for Temple's season-opener on Aug. 31, fans will not only notice he's playing a new position - moving from quarterback to H-back - they'll also notice that there is more of him.

Literally.

Since the start of spring football, Coyer has gained about 20 pounds - up from 225 to 245 - since making the switch in positions. And he estimates he could weigh as much as 250 by the time the Owls open the season at Notre Dame.

"It all depends," Coyer said. "The key is whether or not I can maintain my quickness and athleticism at that weight. Right now I feel comfortable where I am. But following spring practice I knew I was going to need more size."

Last season in nine starts at quarterback, Coyer, a fifth-year senior, completed 84 of 164 passes for 946 yards and eight touchdowns. He also finished second in rushing with 444 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 111 carries. He led the Owls in total offense with 1,390 yards.

But during a spring meeting with new coach Matt Rhule, a meeting right before the Cherry and White game, the two agreed that switching Coyer to H-back would be more beneficial to the team.

"After watching him in practice," Rhule said, "it just solidified in our minds that he could contribute so much from that position."

Coyer didn't disappoint in the spring Cherry and White game, catching three passes for 80 yards and a pair of touchdowns, one of them covering 65 yards.

Connor Reilly, an inexperienced red shirt junior, sits atop the depth chart at quarterback as the Owls near training camp. Reilly completed 25 of 41 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns to go with an interception in the spring game. Coyer said that he could be used at quarterback in the event of an emergency. Coyer's versatility got him named to the 2013 watch list for the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to college football's most versatile player.

Coyer, who played last season weighing in the mid 230s, said he showed up for spring football expecting to play his final season with the Owls at quarterback. Trimmed down to about 225 at the start of spring football, he increased his protein intake and began lifting heavier weights once he realized he would be making the switch in positions.

"I wanted to get my weight up the right way," said Coyer, who added that eating extra food was the easiest part of the process. "I feel comfortable now. I'm confident that this will allow me to demonstrate my athleticism. I love playing quarterback, and I love the X's and O's aspect of the game. But this will allow me to help the team, so I'm good with it."