Temple, Villanova sign a total of 14 football players during the early period of national signing day

Wednesday marked the first national signing day of the 2024-25 offseason, and two of the city’s biggest college football programs brought in several new faces.

Amid an FCS playoff push — Villanova, which is preparing to face Incarnate Word on Saturday (2 p.m., ESPN+) in the second round of the FCS playoffs, secured nine players. Temple, which hired head coach K.C. Keeler on Sunday after its fourth consecutive 3-9 season, signed five players, including a top quarterback prospect.

There’s one more national signing day on Feb. 5, but here’s a look at the players they secured in the early signing period:

» READ MORE: Hiring K.C. Keeler will define the tenure of Temple athletic director Arthur Johnson

The Owls went offense-heavy. Four of their five signees were skill-position players, led by wide receiver Rameir Hardy of St. Joseph’s Prep and quarterback Camren Boykin of the Maret School in Washington.

Hardy announced his commitment in July and will play in the PIAA Class 6A state final against Pittsburgh Central Catholic on Saturday at Cumberland Valley High School. In The Prep’s 36-7 semifinal win against Downingtown West, Hardy had four receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown.

Boykin threw for 2,092 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just three interceptions this season. He could have a chance to compete for a job this offseason after Owls backup Chris Dietrich entered the transfer portal.

Temple also signed tight end Ryder Kusch of the Hun School of Princeton, running back De’Carlos Young from Wise High School (Upper Marlboro, Md.), and defensive back Jamarcus Pierre from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

» READ MORE: Meet Camren Boykin, a top quarterback in Virginia who pledged to play at Temple this summer

Keeler expressed his excitement to work with his first recruiting class at Temple.

“Signing day is always a big event in a college football player’s life, and I’m so happy that Camren, Rameir, Ryder, Jamarcus, and De’Carlos have agreed to play football here at Temple University,” Keeler said in a statement. “I had a chance to watch their film over the last few days, and I’m really excited that they will help us elevate the talent on our roster.”

» READ MORE: Follow the Inquirer's full coverage of Temple athletics right here!

Coach Mark Ferrante’s program announced signings from nine players: six on offense and three on defense.

Linebacker Michael Gaul from State College High School leads the pack. The 6-foot-1 senior committed to the Wildcats in September and finished the year with 72 tackles, 3½ sacks, three interceptions, and four fumble recoveries. He had 107 tackles as a junior.

Defensive backs Amari Jackson (Beaver Area High School) and Brenden Toppin (Suffield Academy in Connecticut) also will join the Wildcats defense. Jackson had four interceptions and a blocked punt this season.

Ferrante signed three offensive linemen: Matthias Ogrinc from St. Sebastian’s School in Massachusetts; Thomas Brown from Chelmsford High School, also in Massachusetts; and Chris Therien from Cherokee High School in Marlton. He is the son of former Flyers defenseman Chris Therien.

The Wildcats have allowed nearly three sacks per game this season but rank in the top 50 among FCS teams in average rushing yards. These signings could boost the Villanova front in the next few years.

Also signing with Villanova were Pope John Paul II receiver Braden Reed, Camden receiver D’Hani Cobbs, and Camden Catholic tight end Sean Welde.

Reed had 169 rushing yards and 1,243 receiving yards this season, and reached the end zone 20 times. Cobbs had 369 receiving yards and a touchdown, and Welde played a big role during the Fighting Irish’s 9-2 season.

The winter transfer portal will open on Monday and remain open until Dec. 28. The portal will reopen on April 16 during spring camp. In the case of Temple, players have 13 more days to enter the transfer portal after Stan Drayton was fired on Nov. 17.

» READ MORE: Follow the Inquirer's full coverage of Villanova athletics right here!