Dec. 8, 2006
PHILADELPHIA - Temple punter Jake Brownell, linebacker Junior Galette and offensive tackle Devin Tyler were today named honorable mention freshman All-Americans by The Sporting News. The Owls played 26 freshmen, including a Division IA-most 21 true freshmen, as 46 players with two or more additional seasons of eligibility competed for the Cherry & White in 2006.
Brownell (5-10, 195) played in all 12 games as a redshirt freshman. The Thorofare, N.J. (West Deptford HS) native ranked sixth nationally in punting yardage, totaling a school-record 3,004 yards on 78 attempts for a 38.5 average. He had a long of 58 yards, four touchbacks, 12 fair catches and 10 punts inside the 20. Brownell also made two of three field goal attempts and kicked off 16 times for 901 yards (56.3 avg.). A preseason second team All-Independent choice by Phil Steele's College Football Preview, he had three (two solo) special teams tackles.
Galette (6-2, 215) played in 11 games, making nine starts at sam linebacker, as a true freshman. The Spring Valley, N.Y. (Saint Joseph's Regional HS, N.J.) native made 52 tackles (32 solo), 5.5 tackles for losses, one sack, one pass break-up and one block. His acrobatic punt block, which helped the Owls to a 28-14 win over Bowling Green on Oct. 28, was ranked No. 2 on ESPN's college football plays of the week.
Tyler (6-7, 260) started all 12 games at left tackle as a redshirt freshman. The Suitland, Md. (Suitland HS) native moved to the offensive line from the defensive end position at the onset of preseason camp. Tyler is expected to add weight and be a stalwart on the Owls' offensive front for years to come.
Temple concluded the 2006 season, its last as an independent, with a 1-11 record and will join the Mid-American Conference as a full football member next season. Nine of Temple's 12 opponents this season were bowl eligible, with eight receiving post-season invitations (Central Michigan, Clemson, Louisville, Minnesota, Navy, Northern Illinois, Penn State, Western Michigan). Four MAC teams (Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Ohio) have accepted bowl bids.
