Temple's Zaire Williams moving from RB to linebacker

Temple's depth at running back is so impressive that a player who rushed for 533 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman is now playing defense.

Coach Matt Rhule said Monday that redshirt sophomore Zaire Williams of Timber Creek High has been working with the linebackers for the last few days.

Williams appeared in only one game last year before he missed the rest of the season with a back injury.

"We think he can be special on defense," Rhule said of the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Williams. "He has always been a special-teams player."

Rhule said that Williams wasn't getting enough work at tailback. The Temple coach said he has been impressed by the remaining five candidates. They include last year's leading rusher, junior Jahad Thomas, and redshirt freshman David Hood.

Rhule said three freshmen running backs - T.J. Simmons, Jager Gardner and Ryquell Armstead - have been impressive, but none of the five backs has separated himself yet.

Junior middle linebacker Jarred Alwan has had a strong camp. He had shoulder surgery in January and said he was not cleared to resume workouts until the end of June.

"I feel good and am feeling better every day," said Alwan, who started two games as a freshman and four last year.

Rhule had indicated a few days ago that receiver Adonis Jennings, the Pittsburgh transfer out of Timber Creek, had a minor issue with his knee. Jennings was practicing Monday.

"During camp you get nagging injuries, but it is nothing major and you have to fight through it and that is what I am doing," Jennings said.

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Freddie Booth-Lloyd, who has been bothered by a foot injury, practiced and earned Rhule's praise for his hustle. . . . Defensive end Praise Martin-Oguike has been bothered by a hamstring injury. . . . When Jaelin Robinson, a projected starter at right tackle, got banged up during practice, redshirt sophomore Leon Johnson (6-6, 320) filled in.

- Marc Narducci