Temple has an experienced defense, but can it pressure quarterbacks?

Temple’s defense is a veteran unit that will be led by its linebackers. The safeties are considered a strength, too, with the cornerback position also showing depth.

Coach Rod Carey said he has been impressed with the speed and intelligence of his defense. But the Owls must show they can get to the passer. Being able to pressure opposing quarterbacks could determine whether this can be a great unit.

Here is a look position by position.

DEFENSIVE END

The key will be developing depth. It won’t be surprising to see eight defensive linemen play in a game.

The front-line players should be dangerous. Redshirt junior defensive end Quincy Roche (6-4, 235), while not the heaviest lineman, has pro potential. He had nine tackles for losses, including six sacks, last season. Redshirt senior Dana Levine (6-4, 230) battled injury that limited him to nine games. He totaled 4.5 tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks. Levine was not listed on the two-deep chart, and Carey said that was because of injury. But Levine could be working his way into the lineup.

Also at end is sixth-year graduate student Zach Mesday, who earned a scholarship last year and has one of the top motors on the team; redshirt sophomore Arnold Ebiketie; and graduate student DeAndre Kelly.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Redshirt junior tackle Dan Archibong (6-6, 300) looks ready to emerge. He is talented enough to play inside or outside. He often ties up blockers and had three tackles for losses, a figure that should increase. Senior Karamo Dioubate (6-3, 295), who has appeared in 37 career games, should see time, although he is listed as second-team.

Redshirt sophomore Ifeanyi Maijeh (6-2, 285) has been a training camp sensation. He is listed as the second first-team tackle, alongside Archibong.

Redshirt freshman Khris Banks (6-4, 290) is among the players who will be looking to fill the backup roles.

LINEBACKER

This is the most experienced position group on the team. The three returning starters have received single-digit uniforms, awarded for their toughness and dedication.

Senior Shaun Bradley was a first-team all-American Athletic Conference selection. He was second on the team with 78 tackles and has the speed to chase down running backs from the back side. Bradley (6-1, 230) has bulked up over his career at Temple, but he hasn’t lost any speed.

Graduate student Chapelle Russell and senior Sam Franklin had 70 and 63 tackles, respectively. Both have very good speed and instincts. Russell has been banged up, so it will be interesting to see if he plays Saturday opener against Bucknell.

Franklin is a versatile player who also has been used as an edge rusher.

Redshirt junior Isaiah Graham-Mobley might not be a starter, but he gets reps like one. He had 70 tackles. Senior William Kwenkeu would start on many teams, but Carey said he would redshirt this year.

CORNERBACKS

Senior Linwood Crump has played in 39 games, including 16 starts. He is a fearless defender who plays with tremendous confidence.

Newcomer Harrison Hand should make an immediate impact. A junior, Hand is a transfer from Baylor who received an NCAA waiver and is eligible right away. He was bothered by a hamstring injury during the preseason, and that might be why he was listed as second-team on the initial depth chart, but he is expected to see time in the opener.

The other starter is redshirt junior Freddie Johnson, who has made the conversion from wide receiver. He is also a good special-teams player. Carey said he doesn’t know if Johnson will start Saturday, but the coach said he will see considerable action.

Redshirt sophomores Christian Braswell and Ty Mason could be key contributors.

Redshirt junior Kimere Brown was in line to play a lot, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the spring.

SAFETIES

This is among the most competitive positions on the team. Senior Benny Walls from St. Joseph’s Prep, has appeared in 36 games, including nine starts, all of them last season. He is among the hardest hitters on the team.

Carey said that Ayron Monroe, a gradate transfer from Penn State, has “probably taken the edge” for one of the spots. Monroe is listed at No. 1 along with Walls.

Redshirt junior Keyvone Bruton, who appeared in all 13 games last year, making two starts, and sophomore DaeSean Winston are expected to be major contributors.

Carey has said this is a really tight race and all four players are likely to see considerable action.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Besides being named a first-team All-American return man by the Sporting News, Isaiah Wright was also the AAC special-teams player of the year. Last season, he had three return touchdowns and was second among Football Bowl Subdivision players with 1,122 combined return yardage. He is probably more dangerous as a punt returner, but he is also formidable returning kickoffs.

Graduate transfer Jacob LaFree, who attended the University of Indianapolis, and redshirt sophomore Will Mobley, who converted 11 of 15 field goals and 54 of 55 conversion kids, are the placekicker candidates.

LaFree has been injured and won’t be attempting field goals, at least in the opener, but he could be the kickoff man, Carey said.

Sophomore Adam Barry, a transfer from Independence Community College in Kansas, will be the punter.